Adjustable ergonomic keyboard for use with stationary palm and elements thereof

ABSTRACT

An ergonomic keyboard as shown in FIG.  3 A for use with a stationary palm wherein the keys ( 15 ) of the keyboard are actuated only by motion of the joints in the digits. The keyboard may have a thumb region ( 20 ), a palm rest region ( 8 ) and a hypothenar rest region which are discrete parts and are adjustable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis. Some keys may be actuated by the back surface of the digits. The keyboard may be on an upper portion ( 2 ) which is mounted on a base ( 1 ) such that three dimensional rotational adjustment is possible between the upper portion and base. The position of the keyboard relative to a user may be adjusted. The spacing of the keys on the keyboard may be spaced at different intervals and have different forces for actuation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of this invention is generally related to the topic ofcomputer keyboards. More specifically this invention focuses uponkeyboard design issues pertaining to ergonomic arrangements which permitthe user to operate the keyboard in a standard fashion for data input toa computer, while achieving maximal adjustability to suit the user'sanatomic requirements and ergonomic constraints. Improvements in theseareas permit enhanced efficiency of key, manifest as improved speed andaccuracy, while simultaneously minimizing upper extremity malpositioningand user effort and strain, which together may lead to repetitive stressinjury, carpal tunnel syndrome and similar disorders.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] For purposes of this application, the five digits on the hand mayalternately be referred to as four fingers and a thumb.

[0005] Conventional contemporary computer keyboards, which serve asuser-computer interfaces for such purposes as data and text input, tracetheir general design and functional characteristics to manualtypewriters. Those earlier machines utilized mechanical linkages toconvert finger pressure into symbols embossed upon paper. The functionalmechanical design requirements of those typewriters produced a standardkeyboard arrangement in which all keys were of similar size and wereordered in flat, parallel horizontal rows. Keys were not aligned invertical rows, however, since the underlying mechanical linkagesrequired that keys be offset with respect to keys in rows above andbelow. In order that all typed symbols achieve similar print density andappearance, it was necessary to apply the same vertical typing pressureto each key, regardless of which finger was utilized.

[0006] Mechanical linkages therefore dictated the fundamentalarrangement and operation of keys. Typing, of necessity, required thatfingers move to where keys were located and that they function asdictated by those mechanical arrangements. Little consideration wasgiven to the functional anatomy of the fingers and hand.

[0007] Interestingly, many of the design characteristics of thoseoriginal key arrangements and operations have been carried over, perhapsunwittingly, to conventional contemporary computer keyboards, eventhough the mechanical considerations which necessitated the originaldesign are no longer relevant.

[0008] Both mechanical typewriters and contemporary computer keyboardsshare the following characteristics: a) the wrist and hand are notintended to rest upon any support while typing; b) each key is actuatedby a downward pressing motion, regardless of where the key is locatedand which finger is utilized; c) keys are generally of similar size,shape and surface contour; d) key spacing is generally equal; and e) keytops define a typing surface which is level (or only slightly sloped)and generally continuous (i.e., key tops are not significantly elevatedor depressed relative to each other). In addition, in both typingsystems, key selection by the four fingers of each hand requires twokinds of motions: first, the fingers move through the air from key tokey, often stretching to reach keys which are not within immediate reachand, second and simultaneously, the forearms, wrists and hands move in asubtly coordinated fashion to help position each finger in theappropriate location. Finally, the actual motions required to actuatethe key selected are multiple and complex.

[0009] They may include, at various times and in varying combinations,motions at the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrists and the different fingerjoints. Although widespread usage has demonstrated the functionality ofcurrent computer keyboards, these functional features of the computerkeyboard have created a number of important problems, limitations anddifficulties. These may be summarized as follows:

[0010] A. According to experts who study the ergonomics of keyboardusage, typing is optimally performed without resting or supporting anyportion of either upper extremity upon the keyboard or supporting desk.Although occasional interludes for resting the wrists and hands areexpected, the unsupported wrist, arm and shoulder can become tiredduring prolonged typing, and such fatigue increases both the mechanicalstress on the limbs and the user's psychological stress.

[0011] B. The design of most keyboards necessitates that, for typing,the wrists be moved close together and turned outward (so-called ulnaror lateral deviation). Continuous muscular effect is required tomaintain this position. Such an arrangement is therefore uncomfortableand stressful, and may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Moregenerally, any malpositioning of joints and tendons during keyboard usemay be a factor in repetitive use injury.

[0012] C. The process of locating each key to be actuated in successionis difficult. Ideally, the user would combine visual and tactile cues toposition each finger precisely for sequential key actuation. However,the technique of touch-typing directs the eyes away from the keyboard,to either the source material used for input of data or the CRT screento monitor the information as it appears after input. Thus, tactile cuesbecome essential for correct finger positioning for key selection andinadequate tactile cues about key location, and identity often becomes alimiting factor in user efficiency. Two aspects of tactile input areimportant in this regard:

[0013] 1) the tactile determination of distance and direction for onekey to another;

[0014] A lack of tactile cues about key to key distance and locationoccurs most frequently in the process of moving fingers from one distantkey to another. As noted above, the hand and palm are not intended torest upon the keyboard while typing, so they cannot provide anypermanent geographic landmarks. The act of reaching up or down, andlaterally or medially to actuate a distant key, often requires that thefinger or fingers be lifted off their respective initial locationsbefore moving to the next distant keys. This process eliminates most ofthe essential physical reference points between various fingers whichfacilitate determination of the precise distance and direction from onekey to another. In essence, the user, through training and intuition,learns to measure distances and directions between keyboard points interms of distance and direction between various regions of the hand.When one finger remains positioned on a first key, it is possible to usethe hand to measure the correct distance and direction to the next key.However, when the user must lift the finger off the first key to reachthe next, the initial point for measurement is lost, and the accuracy oflocating the next key is reduced.

[0015] 2) the differential tactile features of each key surface whichmay help to distinguish one key from another;

[0016] As the finger arrives near the destination key, recognition ofthe precise key location can be facilitated by the tactile features ofthe surface being touched. In most keyboards, the surfaces, shapes andcontours of the various keys are identical. In addition, the flatkeyboard surface lacks any geographic or topological landmarks or cues.Thus, key identification is impaired by the lack of any tactile featureswhich would aid in distinguishing the desired key from adjacent ones.

[0017] D. The linear arrangement of key rows, combined with similar keysizes and constant key to distances, forces the smallest fingers reachthe same distance and apply the same pressure for key actuation asrequired for the longest and strongest fingers. This situation, combinedwith the distorted orientation of the wrist described above, placesexcessive strain on the smaller fingers during key actuation.

[0018] E. The flat keyboard surface forces the hands and forearms torotate inward (internal rotation), a position which tends to force theelbows up and out, increasing muscular effort and stress.

[0019] In sum, these characteristics place several limitations on thefunctionality of the keyboard. These limitations include:

[0020] A. The lack of hand and wrist support, plus the awkward hand,wrist and forearm position and difficult reach for certain finger-keycombinations, cause significant stress on ligaments and tendons,promoting fatigue and increasing the tendency to repetitive stressinjury.

[0021] B. The lack of adequate tactile cues, plus the need to selectkeys from a mid-air position, combined with the difficult reach forcertain fingers, slow typing speed and increases the error rate for keyselection.

[0022] Numerous modifications to individual aspects of the typewriterand computer keyboard have been introduced or proposed to address theseissuesn. Several themes may be discerned in the prior art:

[0023] A. Improvement in the Positioning of the Hands.

[0024] Many arrangements have been disclosed which permit a separationof the keyboard into two halves by a variety of sliding, rotating orsimilar mechanisms or by creating two independent and unattachedkeyboard halves. This arrangement tends to lessen ulnar deviation of thehands. Other arrangements previously disclosed permit the adjustment ofthe keyboard position in one or more of three orthogonal axes, therebyinfluencing the degree of forearm internal/external rotation, wristflexion/extension and wrist radial/ulnar deviation (Szmanda et al. U.S.Pat. No. 5,067,834; Rader U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,786; Fort U.S. Pat. No.5,228,791; Fort U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,150; Danziger U.S. Pat. No.5,426,499; Skovronski U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,452). However, in these latterarrangements, which utilize a ball and socket or similar mechanism, thecenter of rotation in each axis is displaced somewhat away from thecenter of the hand and of the face of the keyboard. Thus, when thekeyboard is rotated by means of any of those adjustment methods, thehands and the keyboards are displaced varying distances forward, back,up, down and/or laterally. Thus, a second compensatory adjustment of thekeyboard must be made to return the hand to its original spatiallocation and orientation relative to the body and the other hand.

[0025] B. Supports for the Wrists and/or Forearms.

[0026] A flat padded surface, situated at the lower edge of thekeyboard, and intended for resting the wrist or hypothenar eminence whennot typing, is available as an integral feature of many keyboards andmay be obtained as a separate component for attachment to keyboards. Inaddition to providing some comfort to the user, this modification isintended to optimize wrist positioning, thereby reducing the likelihoodof carpal tunnel syndrome. Several patents disclose arrangements tosupport the forearm while using a keyboard. In Danziger U.S. Pat. No.5,426,499, a hand support is described. In Rader U.S. Pat. No.5,122,786, a forearm rest is described; it has several adjustments forpositioning the forearm, but does not provide for adjustment of wristflexion/extension. Hargreaves et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,253 and JohnsonU.S. Pat. No. 5,730,403 show different methodologies for support of thepalm while typing.

[0027] In Bryan U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,718, extensive consideration isgiven to positioning keyboard halves on the arms of a chair, withadjustments of keyboard position and some adjustments of an arm rest orarm support. Similarly, Litschel U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,566 shows two typesof integral forearm supports, and Bryan U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,718 shows avariably adjustable chair with an adjustable arm assembly for support ofthe forearm.

[0028] C. Improvements in the Orientation of Keys Relative to theFingers.

[0029] Prior art patents (Einbinder U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,216; EinbinderU.S. Pat. No. 3,945,482; Malt U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,659; Einbinder U.S.Pat. No. 4,332,493; Zilberman U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,475; Gambaro U.S. Pat.No. 5,178,477; Louis U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,040; Louis U.S. Pat. No.5,372,441; and Hargreaves et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,673,040, 5,689,253)have disclosed vertically curved keyboards, which presumably bring theupper row or rows of keys closer to the fingers, although this does notpreferentially help the shorter fingers. One patent (Danziger U.S. Pat.No. 5,391,003) discloses snap-on keys of varying heights to create thedesired curve. Another patent (Choi U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,263) attachesthe keys to a curved vertical rib. None describes how the precise orcorrect curvature is established or determined.

[0030] D. Variation in the Size, Spacing and Orientation of IndividualKeys.

[0031] Some inventions give varying degrees of explicit attention to keysize and spacing. In Hodges U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,681 an “adjustablekeyboard” is disclosed, built around keys whose height and angulationmay be individually adjusted to reposition the rows of keys closertogether or further apart. In Camacho U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,280, thecenter keys are elongated to accommodate a central curved area of thekeyboard. In Minogue U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,189, slight variations ininter-key spacing are described, though the intent seems to be toachieve conventional distances. In Conway U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,333, thefront and back keys are different widths, 18 vs. 15 mm. In Choi U.S.Pat. No. 5,481,263, the spacing between adjacent vertical rows (ribs)can be adjusted by sliding or pivoting the ribs. In Litschel U.S. Pat.No. 5,627,566, unique keys with multiple sensors are disclosed, in whichthe height and the key spacing are exactly fitted to the user's hand bymeans of an adjustment screw or with smaller or larger key units. Nosystematic discussion of the methodology for determining key spacing orkey size adjustments is presented in those prior art patents.

[0032] A fundamental paradox arises in these design efforts. Criticalanalysis indicates that if any portion of upper extremity is supportedduring typing, the inherent mobility of the hand will be reduced. Sincethe current arrangement of keys is such that finger motions without handmovements are inadequate to reach many keys, the reduced mobility of thehand caused by the rest support will make typing even more difficult.

[0033] To the Applicant's knowledge, no patents disclose a keyboardarrangement specifically designed for use with a stationary hand orpalm. Such a feature is desirable in a keyboard design.

[0034] Certain premises are inherent in the design and arrangementdisclosed here. These premises are:

[0035] A. The wrists will rest on a comfortable support. This supportmay also involve contact with, and support of, the adjacent area of thepalm, but for simplicity reference is solely to a wrist support.Supports for the forearm may also be optionally supplied.

[0036] B. The wrist support will permit the entire upper extremity to beoriented in any comfortable and ergonomically correct position. Thisposition, with the forearms somewhat separated, is described withreference to rotation relative to the length of the forearm(internal/external rotation), and with respect to up/down(flexion/extension) and left/right (radial/ulnar deviation) position ofthe wrist. By necessity, the best position will be somewhat differentfor each user; hence, this keyboard invention incorporates adjustabilityof the wrist support to permit the wrist to rest to any comfortable andergonomically appropriate position.

[0037] C. The hand and digits will rest naturally in comfortable andergonomically correct positions. Conventional keyboard arrangementforces the hand and digits to lie almost flat, on a single plane orsurface. Casual inspection indicates that the thumb flexes and extendsalong a plane perpendicular to the flexion/extension plane for the otherfingers. Further, when at rest the tips of the fingers do not naturallylie along a single straight line but describe a curve reflecting thedifferent lengths of the fingers. Thus, an ergonomically correct restposition (or “home” position) for the hand will require home row keyswhich are oriented in unconventional positions and directions, i.e.,different from those found in conventional keyboards.

[0038] D. Key actuation will require only natural, ergonomicallyappropriate motions of the digits alone. This feature follows logicallyfrom the previously described features. Since the wrists (and possiblythe adjacent palm areas) are supported, maintained in a stationaryposition and not intended to be mobile, only digit motion is possible.Key arrangements are therefore necessary which enable key actuation byfinger motions which are comfortable and easy, and which do not requiredifficult reaching, stretching or twisting of the fingers. In essence,keys are positioned where the fingers can naturally and easily reachthem for key actuation.

[0039] Several advantages of such an arrangement may thus be identifiedas:

[0040] A. Arm, forearm and wrist are positioned and supported incomfortable and ergonomically correct positions, lessening stress anddecreasing the likelihood of repetitive stress injury.

[0041] B. These arm, forearm and wrist positions can be adjusted to suiteach individual user.

[0042] C. By requiring only digit motion for key actuation, the chanceof key selection error is reduced, since the wrist and palm remain asstationary reference points as the digit seeks out its target key.

[0043] D. The rest positions for the digits, and the motions utilizedfor key actuation are comfortable, easy and ergonomically sound,lessening the effort, degree of stress and likelihood of repetitivestress injury and keystroke errors.

[0044] However, certain problems and difficulties may be discerned whenone attempts to superimpose such a keyboard arrangement upon previouslydisclosed keyboards. These problems and difficulties are:

[0045] A. Existing keyboard surfaces are flat or only mildly contoured.Even in the most contoured keyboards, the longer fingers are closer tothe surface of the keyboard than the shorter fingers of the same hand,making it more difficult for the shorter ones to reach and actuate keys.This effect is enhanced as the fingers move up and down or laterally toactuate keys which are equally spaced from each other. It is furtherexaggerated by the requirement that the wrist and palm remainstationary, forcing all fingers to do excessive stretching to reach moredistant keys.

[0046] B. Even if an arrangement can be established which positions keysat an appropriate distance from the finger tips of the average user,this arrangement may not be suitable for other users with different handand finger sizes.

[0047] C. When a keyboard is split into right and left sections whichare separated from each other and then tilted or angled to suit theuser's comfort, most keys will not be visible; hence, visual cues usedfor locating keys will be reduced or eliminated, increasing thedifficulty of key selection.

[0048] D. By requiring only digit motion for key actuation, the musclesof the weaker digits (i.e., ring and short fingers) are required toprovide the same force for key actuation as corresponding muscles of thestronger digits.

[0049] To address these additional issues, this invention discloses amethodology for defining the maximal and minimal reach of each fingerwhile the palm is stationary. This involves tracing the arc of thefinger tip as it moves up and down (“vertically”) through varyingdegrees of flexion and extension of the MCP (metacarpophalangeal,[knuckle]), PIP (proximal interphalangeal, [finger joint nearer toknuckle]) and DIP (distal interphalangeal) joints. These motions definea space bounded by two arcs, representing the maximum and minimum reachfor each finger. Within this space the surface of all keys for aspecific finger may be appropriately placed for comfortable, ergonomicusage. If the keys are farther away, they cannot be reached with astationary palm; if they are closer, then they will be bumped as thefinger moves up and down to actuate other keys.

[0050] When keys are positioned according to this arrangement, theresult is a curved, vertical array of keys for each finger. When thesearrays are arranged side by side as described in detail below, theresult is a keyboard that is complexly curved but with each keyprecisely positioned for optimum ergonomic usage. The methodologydisclosed in this invention extends the art beyond what has beendisclosed in prior art patents known to the Applicant. Those patentsassume that keys can be placed appropriately but do not specify how thismay be accomplished.

[0051] This invention discloses key positioning such that actuation isaccomplished by the full swing of each finger while the palm isimmobile. Specifically, the range of motion is envisioned to utilize theMCP as well as the PIP and DIP joints of each finger. In Choi U.S. Pat.No. 5,481,263, a somewhat related arrangement is disclosed, bututilizing finger motion only at the PIP and DIP joint; no motion of theMCP joint is shown or suggested.

[0052] This invention also describes an arrangement in which a top keymay be actuated by the finger as it sweeps in full extension, with thefingernail, or any region of skin on the nail side of the fingeractually striking and actuating the key. This arrangement provides anadditional group of potential key placement sites and increases theflexibility of the keyboard and the number of keys which may beincluded. A soft key surface may be used to cushion the impact of thehard nail.

[0053] Actuation of a key with the back of the finger has been suggestedor shown elsewhere.

[0054] An arrangement has been disclosed (Yaeger U.S. Pat. No.4,584,443) which places each finger tip in a cup; extension or outwardmotion is used for “key” actuation, although the key itself is not aconventional key. In Allen U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,058, actuator switch capsare disclosed with three flat surfaces, one, horizontal for actuation bydownward motion, and two, nearly vertical, for actuation by inward oroutward motion of the finger, respectively. Runge U.S. Pat. No.4,265,557 discloses an arrangement for key actuation through mechanicallinkages actuated by slight extensor or flexor motions of the fingers,with the opposed key surfaces being closely approximated. Horn U.S. Pat.No. 5,552,782 discloses an arrangement of two parallel horizontalsupporting surfaces, with keys arrayed on the inner, facing surface ofeach, and the hand placed between. Downward motion actuates keys on onesurface, and upward motion the keys of the other. A curved array of keysis not used in this arrangement. Use of multiple different areas of theback side of the finger, including the nail, is disclosed in LitschelU.S. Pat. No. 5,627,566. In this arrangement minimal finger motion ispermitted, and only one or two keys for actuation with finger flexion orreach is disclosed. A full swing of the finger is not envisioned.

[0055] This invention specifically positions the thumb in a restposition in which it is separated from the index finger and rotatedoutward, so that the natural flexion of the thumb brings the thumb firsttoward the side of the index finger and thence toward the palm. As aconsequence of this arrangement, a number of keys may be positioned suchthat they may be actuated by natural, comfortable and ergonomicallyappropriate motions of the thumb. These motions include:

[0056] 1. Thumb flexion and extension, utilizing, respectively, thethumb flexor muscles and ligaments, and the thumb extensor muscles andligaments. Several keys may thus be actuated with this arrangement,including by application of pressure by the nail or extensor surface ofthe thumb during thumb extension.

[0057] 2. Thumb adduction and abduction, i.e., moving the thumb in aplane perpendicular to the plane of thumb flexion/extension, therebybringing the thumb toward or away from the side of the index finger. Oneor more keys may be readily actuated by each of these motions.

[0058] 3. Some combination or combinations of thumb flexion/extensionand abduction/adduction.

[0059] This combination of rest thumb position and the thumb motionsdescribed above for multiple key actuation is featured in thisinvention.

[0060] The prior art includes many patents which describe multiple thumbkeys (Einbinder U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,216; Gopher et al. U.S. Pat. No.5,493,654; and Torok U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,425). Some describe thumb keypositions which require for key actuation one or more orthogonal thumbmotions as described immediately above (Einbinder U.S. Pat. Nos.3,929,216; 3,945,482; and 4,332,493; Retter U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,573;Allen U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,058; and Klauber et al. U.S. Pat. No.5,626,427). In all of these, however, the thumb position at rest is onthe same surface as the fingers, in contrast to this invention in whichthe natural thumb position (i.e., away from and rotated relative to therest of the hand) places the thumb tip out of the plane of the otherdigits.

[0061] In other patents (Dolenc U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,732; Mohler et al.U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,919; Nikisbacher U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,709; GambaroU.S. Pat. No. 5,332,322; Grant U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,097; Rucker et al.U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,066; Conway U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,333; Danziger U.S.Pat. No. 5,426,449; and Litschel U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,566), thumb keysare arranged for actuation such that the thumb is allowed to move awayfrom the hand and rotate so that its natural flexion motion would bringit toward the side of the index finger and with further flexion towardthe palm; this is the same thumb rest position as described in thisinvention. Yet, in almost all of those patents, the thumb keys (and theassociated motions for key actuation) are co-planar rather thanorthogonal to each other, so that no key motion utilizes thumb abductionor adduction as the sole motion. In one patent (Yaeger U.S. Pat. No.4,584,443), an arrangement similar to that disclosed herein issuggested; however, it is qualitatively different in that the thumb andfingers rest within rings or cups and do not rest upon keys. In anotherpatent (Horn U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,782), a related arrangement may besuggested, but the figures and text are insufficient to provide a cleardescription or explanation, and the emphasis is elsewhere.

[0062] This invention discloses the inclusion of a joystick, pointer,tracker ball or similar cursor controller device in place of a key,between the keys, or as the whole keyboard itself (i.e., sliding thekeyboard across the table top serves the same function as moving amouse). Multiple patents have addressed these issues (Rader U.S. Pat.No. 5,122,786; Zilberman U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,475; Grant U.S. Pat. No.5,339,097; Conway U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,333; Ullman U.S. Pat. No.5,411,341; Grant U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,498; Danziger U.S. Pat. No.5,426,499; Gervais U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,719; Selker et al. U.S. Pat. No.5,521,596; Sellers U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,618; Litchel U.S. Pat. No.5,627,566; and Retter U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,516). This invention advancesthe art relative to those prior disclosures by making it possible toreach and actuate any joystick, tracker ball, pointer or similar deviceincorporated within the key region or as part of the keyboard base,while maintaining the wrist and palm stationary and at rest, and hencewithout moving the hand from its typing position.

[0063] This invention discloses an arrangement in which the forcenecessary for key actuation may be variably reduced to account for theweaker muscles utilized for key actuation by the smaller fingers. UkeU.S. Pat. No. 5,676,476 discloses an arrangement in which keystrokeresistance is (apparently) increased to 100 grams for all keys.

[0064] This invention discloses an arrangement in which multiple tactilecues associated with keystroking surface characteristics are utilized toenhance the user's ability to identify each key in turn for actuation.Miller U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,488 discloses a simplistic version of such anarrangement in which a protrusion is formed on a finger contactingsurface of each key.

[0065] This invention discloses an arrangement in which a contouredsheet of flexible material is positioned upon the keyboard to alter theheight of the keys relative to the finger tips. A similar arrangementfor a planar keyboard is disclosed in Caplan U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,616.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0066] A first embodiment of the invention is directed to a keyboard foruse by a hand. The keyboard has a body and the body has:

[0067] a) a hand supporter for maintaining the wrist and palm in anunstrained, relaxed, stationary position during keyboard usage;

[0068] b) a plurality of keys on a keypad actuatable by the fingers ofthe hand; and

[0069] c) wherein the fingers are permitted unrestrained movement aboutthe three joints of each finger for actuation of the keys on the keypadwhile the wrist and palm remain in the unstrained, relaxed, stationaryposition.

[0070] The body may have a thumb region, palm rest region and hypothenarrest region which are all discrete parts and adjustable relative to oneanother along the longitudinal axis.

[0071] A second embodiment of the invention is directed toward akeyboard for use by a hand, including the wrist. The keyboard iscomprised of:

[0072] a) a base;

[0073] b) an upper portion in contact with the base, wherein the upperportion includes a hand supporter for maintaining the wrist and palm inan unrestrained, relaxed, stationary position during keyboard usage; and

[0074] c) wherein the upper portion contacts the base and may bepositioned in three degrees of rotational freedom.

[0075] A third embodiment of the invention is directed to a keyboardsupport assembly for providing maximum adjustability comprising:

[0076] a) a base on which a keyboard is supported;

[0077] b) a forearm rest;

[0078] c) a three bar linkage connecting the keyboard to the forearmrest, comprised of a first linkage, second linkage and third linkage;

[0079] d) wherein the first linkage is connected to the keyboard and tothe second linkage;

[0080] e) wherein the second linkage is connected to the first linkageand the third linkage;

[0081] f) wherein the third linkage is connected to the second linkageand the forearm rest; and

[0082] g) wherein there is rotational freedom between the first andsecond linkages and between the second and third linkages.

[0083] A fourth embodiment of the invention is directed to a keypad on akeyboard comprised of a plurality of finger key arrays adjacent to oneanother on the keyboard, wherein the fingers are identified as theindex, long, ring and short fingers and wherein each finger key arrayhas associated with it specific keys and wherein each finger key arrayhas a different curvature to accommodate the range of motion of thatfinger to actuate the respective keys when the wrist and palm are in astationary position.

[0084] A fifth embodiment of the invention is directed to a keypad for akeyboard comprising:

[0085] a) a plurality of keys;

[0086] b) a predetermined distance each key must be depressed to actuatethe key;

[0087] c) a resistance associated with each key necessary to depressthat key the predetermined distance to actuate the key; and

[0088] d) wherein the resistance associated with each key is a functionof the size of the finger depressing that key, such that a larger fingerhas a greater depression force than does a smaller finger.

[0089] A sixth embodiment of the invention is directed to a keyboardhaving keys actuated by hand comprised of:

[0090] a) at least one key positioned on a keypad and having anactuation surface facing the side of a digit of the hand opposite thenail when the hand is in a typing position; and

[0091] b) at least one top key positioned on a keypad and having anactuation surface facing the nail or back surface of the digit of thehand when the hand is in the typing position.

[0092] A seventh embodiment of the invention is directed to a keyboardcomprised of:

[0093] a) a keypad with a plurality of keys thereon, wherein each keyhas a contact surface which must be depressed for key actuation; and

[0094] b) a height adjustment device for placement over at least one keyto heighten the contact surface of the at least one key.

[0095] An eighth embodiment of the invention is directed to a keyboardcomprised of:

[0096] a) a finger region having a keypad with keys, wherein the keys onthe keypad are oriented to be actuatable by only motion of the fingersat their joints when the wrist and palm of a hand are in an unstrained,relaxed, stationary position in a palm rest;

[0097] b) wherein a hand axis is defined by a line extending through themetacarpophalangeal joint of each finger;

[0098] c) a thumb region having a channel with keys, wherein the channelis oriented along a channel surface having a central axis which forms anangle of between 15-45 degrees with the hand axis; and

[0099] d) wherein a thumb home key is located in the position of thethumb along a path defined by the thumb as it moves with flexion from anaturally relaxed position toward the index finger in its relaxedposition.

[0100] A ninth embodiment of the invention is directed to a keyboardcomprising:

[0101] a) a keypad;

[0102] b) a plurality of keys upon the keypad, wherein each key has atop surface that is physically depressed for key actuation; and

[0103] c) wherein the top surface of one or more of a plurality of keyshas a different tactile identification to facilitate recognition of thekeys.

[0104] A tenth embodiment of the invention is directed to a keypad for akeyboard comprising:

[0105] a) at least one key;

[0106] b) a sensor associated with that key to determine the forceexerted upon that key;

[0107] c) a key identifier;

[0108] d) a key actuator which when actuated transfers data to aprocessing unit;

[0109] e) wherein a first force upon the key will actuate the keyidentifier to identify that key to the user; and

[0110] f) wherein a second force, greater than the first force, willactuate the key actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] Note that all illustrations which show the right keyboard half100, or any portion thereof, should be interpreted as automaticallyindicating the presence of a similar, mirror image illustration andcorresponding embodiment for the left keyboard half 200, orcorresponding portion thereof.

[0112]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portion of the invention,showing the right and left keyboard halves 100 and 200, respectively,appropriately positioned for operation.

[0113]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a portion of the inventionshowing the right and left keyboard halves 100 and 200, respectively,appropriately positioned for operation, with the user's right and lefthands appropriately positioned for operation of the keyboard.

[0114]FIG. 2 is an orientation drawing for the right keyboard half 100,indicating the relative orientation of the views which are depicted invarious subsequent figures.

[0115]FIG. 3 is a right side view of the right keyboard half 100.

[0116]FIG. 3A is a right side view of the right keyboard half 100 withadditional details.

[0117]FIG. 3B is a right side view of the right keyboard half 100 withthe user's hand appropriately positioned for operation of the keyboard.

[0118]FIG. 3C is a perspective view showing a simplified deconstructionof the upper portion 2, indication the relationships of the variousregions.

[0119]FIG. 4 is a front view of the right keyboard half 100.

[0120]FIG. 4A is a front view of the right keyboard half 100.

[0121]FIG. 4B is a front view of the right keyboard half 100 withadditional details with the user's hand appropriately positioned foroperation of the keyboard.

[0122]FIG. 4C is a front view of the right keyboard half 100 indicatingareas where cushioning material 250 may be utilized.

[0123]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the right keyboard half 100.

[0124]FIG. 6 is a left side view of the right keyboard half 100.

[0125]FIG. 6A is a left side view of the right keyboard half 100.

[0126]FIG. 6B is a left side view of the right keyboard half 100 withadditional details with the user's hand appropriately positioned foroperation of the keyboard.

[0127]FIG. 7 is a top view of the right keyboard half 100.

[0128]FIG. 7A is a top view of the right keyboard half 100.

[0129]FIG. 7B is a top view of the right keyboard half 100 withadditional details with the user's hand appropriately positioned foroperation of the keyboard.

[0130]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base 1, illustrating anembodiment for attachment to a supporting structure.

[0131]FIG. 9 is a front view of the base 1.

[0132]FIG. 10 is a side view of the base 1.

[0133]FIG. 11 is a top view of the base 1.

[0134]FIG. 12A is a side view and FIG. 12B is a top view of simplifiedanatomic illustrations of the right hand, indicating the natural,ergonomically appropriate hand and digit positions and thumb motions foroperation of the upper portion 2.

[0135]FIG. 12C is a simplified anatomic illustration of the palm surfaceof the right hand, indicating the natural, ergonomically appropriatehand and digit positions and the natural orientation of the tips of thefingers.

[0136]FIG. 13 is a front view of the upper portion 2 of the rightkeyboard half 100, shown disconnected from the base 1, revealing thedisc 16. Finger keys are not shown in this illustration.

[0137]FIG. 14 is a left side view of the upper portion 2 of the rightkeyboard half 100 shown disconnected from the base 1, revealing the disc16.

[0138]FIG. 15A is a simplified partial cross section along line 15-15 inFIG. 11, showing the contact region 3 and other areas of the base 1, andball bearings 5.

[0139]FIG. 15B shows the same cross section as FIG. 15A, but with theaddition of a cross section of the corresponding adjacent convex region4 of the upper portion 2, to indicate the relationship of the tworegions and their components, including the location of the disc 16 inthe interior of the base 1.

[0140]FIG. 16A is a partial cross section along line 15-15 in FIG. 11,additionally showing the contact region 4 of the base 1, and alsoshowing a partial cross section of the corresponding adjacent convexregion 4 of the upper portion 2, illustrating an embodiment 346 for alocking mechanism.

[0141]FIG. 16B is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 16A, illustratingdetails of a portion of an embodiment 346 for a locking mechanism.

[0142]FIG. 16C is a detailed view of the ball bearing supportingapparatus 301 and adjacent contact region 3, as identified in FIG. 15A,with inclusion of ball bearing 5.

[0143]FIG. 16D is a detailed view along section 16D-16D as shown in FIG.16C, showing a top view section of the ball bearing supporting apparatus301, with the ball bearing 5 removed for clarity.

[0144]FIG. 16E is a detailed view along section 16E-16E as shown in FIG.16D, showing a portion of the components of the ball bearing supportapparatus 301, including a roller 251 and two axles 252, the latterengaged in slots 255 on support 253.

[0145]FIG. 16F is similar to FIG. 16C but shows an alternativeembodiment 303 for a ball bearing support apparatus 303 and adjacentcontact region 3, with inclusion of ball bearing 5, said alternativeembodiment 303 to be utilized with an alternative embodiment 347 for alocking mechanism. Components of alternative embodiment 303 illustratedherein which are identical to components of embodiment 301 as shown inFIG. 16C are not specifically labeled herein.

[0146]FIG. 16G is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of thedesign show in FIG. 15A for a locking mechanism, with ball bearingsupport apparati 303 and ball bearings 5 not to scale.

[0147]FIG. 16H is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of thedesign shown in FIG. 15B, for a locking mechanism, with ball bearingsupport apparati 303 and ball bearings 5 not to scale, and demonstratingdisplacement of disc 16 from contact 23 with inner surface 24 of base 1with application of downward pressure 260 to upper portion 2.

[0148]FIG. 17 is a top view of the base, with disc 16 shown in position,and rod 21 shown in cross section, and with the remainder of the upperportion removed. Three locations for the rod 21 and disc 16 are shown byway of example, with phantom outlines to indicate the portions of thedisc 16 which are concealed by the surface of the contact region 3.

[0149]FIG. 18A shows an embodiment of an apparatus 224 for attachment ofthe right keyboard half 100 to a right forearm rest 40 of a user'schair, illustrating the user's position.

[0150]FIG. 18B shows an alternative embodiment for connecting andsecuring right the keyboard half 100 to the user's chair utilizing anattachment apparatus 232, and with an additional apparatus 224connecting and securing forearm rest 40 to the right keyboard half 100.

[0151]FIG. 19A is a lateral view of the apparatus 224 for adjustableattachment of the armrest 40 to the keyboard base 1.

[0152]FIG. 19B is an enlarged longitudinal section of the portion of theapparatus 224 indicated as 19B in FIG. 19A.

[0153]FIG. 20 is a partial cross section along line 1-1 as shown inFIGS. 3B, 7A and 21A, showing the position of the relaxed fingers on thehome row keys 44, 45, 46 and 47, and illustrating adjustable positioningof upper portion 2 relative to base 1 of the right keyboard half 100with regard to right forearm internal and external rotation 42.

[0154]FIG. 21A is a top view of right keyboard half 100, with the upperpart of the upper portion 2 removed along line 21A-21A as shown in FIGS.3A and 4A.

[0155]FIG. 21B is a top view of right keyboard half 100, with the upperpart of the upper portion 2 removed along line 21A-21A as shown in FIGS.3A and 4A, with the user's hand appropriately positioned for operationof the keyboard and certain keys not illustrated for clarity.

[0156]FIG. 22A is a partial section along line 22A-22A as shown in FIG.7B, showing an embodiment 213 of a portion of the thumb region 10, withthe user's thumb, shown in phantom outline, appropriately positioned foroperation of thumb keys 91 and cursor controller roller ball 95, thelatter located in thumb home key position.

[0157]FIG. 22B is an alternative embodiment of the design show in FIG.22A, showing a portion of the thumb region 10, with user's thumb, shownin phantom outline, appropriately positioned for operation of thumb keys91, 93 and cursor controller 96, and illustrating an alternativeembodiment 217 for the thumb key arrangement.

[0158]FIG. 23A is a partial section along line 23A-23A as shown in FIG.7B, showing an embodiment 213 of a portion of the thumb region 10, withuser's thumb, shown in phantom outline, appropriately positioned foroperation of the keyboard and cursor controller roller ball 95 in thumbhome key position.

[0159]FIG. 23B is an alternative embodiment of the design shown in FIG.23A, showing an alternative embodiment 214 of a portion of the thumbregion 10, with user's thumb, shown in phantom outline, appropriatelypositioned for operation of the keyboard and with a key 48 in the thumbhome key position.

[0160]FIG. 23C is an alternative embodiment of the design shown in FIG.23A, showing an alternative embodiment 217 of a portion of the thumbregion 10, with the user's thumb, shown in phantom outline,appropriately positioned for operation of the keyboard, and showing asupporting structure 115 and key 93 for actuation by thumb extension 88and a cursor controller pointer 96 in the thumb home key position, asshown in another view in FIG. 22B.

[0161]FIG. 24A is a simplified perspective drawing showing the planes offlexion-extension motion 56, 57, 58 and 59 for the four fingers of theright hand, and indicating the non-parallel relationship among theseplanes.

[0162]FIG. 24B is a simplified anatomic illustration of the long finger,showing the range of lateral motion 72 with MCP, PIP and DIP jointsextended.

[0163]FIG. 25A is a simplified anatomic illustration of a lateral viewof a representative finger in various potential positions in its rangeof flexion-extension motion, around axis 64, indicating theoreticalminimum 66 and maximum 65 reach of the finger.

[0164]FIG. 25B is a simplified anatomic illustration of a lateral viewof a representative finger in various potential positions in its rangeof flexion-extension motion around axis 64, illustrating the relevanceof key displacement 69 during key actuation in determining the potentiallocations for key surfaces.

[0165]FIG. 25C is a simplified anatomic illustration of a lateral viewof the long finger 50 in various potential positions in its range offlexion-extension motion with partial transverse section through thecorresponding key array 61, illustrating an embodiment for location andsurface orientation for each key, and showing digit motion utilized foractuation of each key.

[0166] FIGS. 26A-D illustrate the restricted range of positions, in theplane of flexion-extension motion for a finger, where keys for actuationby that finger may be located in any of the various embodiments of thisinvention; shown to scale; index finger, FIG. 26A; long finger, FIG.26B; ring finger FIG. 26C; and small finger, FIG. 26D.

[0167]FIG. 27A is a partial transverse section along line 21A-21A asshown in FIG. 3A, showing an embodiment for the number, size, locationand orientation for keys in the index finger key array 60 utilizing keyarrangement 210 (FIG. 28A), shown to scale.

[0168]FIG. 27B is a partial transverse section along line 27B-27B asshown in FIG. 3A, showing an embodiment for the number, size, locationand orientation for keys in the long finger key array 61 utilizing thesame key arrangement 210 (FIG. 28A), shown to scale.

[0169]FIG. 27C is a partial transverse section along line 27C-27C asshown in FIG. 3A, showing an embodiment for the number, size, locationand orientation for keys in the ring finger key array 62 utilizing thesame key arrangement 102 (FIG. 28E), shown to scale.

[0170]FIG. 27D is a partial transverse section along line 27D-27D asshown in FIG. 3A, showing an embodiment 102 for the number, size,location and orientation for keys in the small finger key array 63utilizing the same key arrangement 102 (FIG. 28E), shown to scale.

[0171]FIG. 28A is a conceptualized en face view or map of an embodimentfor key arrangement 210 in index key array 60 and/or long finger keyarray 61, as shown also in FIGS. 3A, 21A, 27A and 27B.

[0172]FIG. 28B is a conceptualized en face view or map of an alternativeembodiment for key arrangement 99 in index key array 60 and/or longfinger key array 61, showing substitution of paired keys 78 for certainkeys 74 shown in FIG. 28A.

[0173]FIG. 28C is a conceptualized en face view or map of an alternativeembodiment for key arrangement 98 in index key array 60 and/or longfinger key array 61, showing substitution of triplet keys 79 for certainkeys 74 shown in FIG. 28A.

[0174]FIG. 28D is a conceptualized en face view or map of an embodimentfor key arrangement 101 in key array 82 situated lateral to the indexfinger key array 60.

[0175]FIG. 28E is a conceptualized en face view or map of an embodimentfor key arrangement 102 in ring finger key array 62 and/or small fingerkey array 63, as shown also in FIGS. 3A, 21A, 27C and 27D.

[0176]FIG. 28F is a conceptualized en face view or map of an embodimentfor key arrangement 103 in key array 83 situated lateral to the smallfinger key array 63.

[0177]FIG. 28G is a conceptualized en face view or map of an alternativeembodiment for key arrangement 104 in ring finger key array 62 and/orsmall finger key array 63, showing substitution of paired keys 78 forcertain keys 74, 75 shown in FIG. 28I.

[0178]FIG. 28H is a conceptualized en face view or map of an alternativeembodiment for key arrangement 97 in the index key array 60 and/or longfinger key array 61, with key 77, shown in FIG. 28A, deleted.

[0179]FIG. 28I is a conceptualized en face view or map of an alternativeembodiment for key arrangement 211 in index key array 60, long fingerkey array 61, ring finger key array 62 and/or small finger key array 63.

[0180]FIG. 28J is a conceptualized en face view or map of an alternativeembodiment for key arrangement 212 in index key array 60, long fingerkey array 61, ring finger key array 62 and/or small finger key array 63.

[0181]FIG. 28K is a conceptualized en face view or map of an alternativeembodiment for key arrangement 216 in index key array 60, long fingerkey array 61, ring finger key array 62 and/or small finger key array 63.

[0182]FIG. 29A is a schematic diagram or map showing an embodiment 304for the selection and arrangement of key arrays and cursor controldevices in the right keyboard half 100. Numbers across the top referencethe specific key arrangement embodiment of the keys below; numbers beloweach set of keys designate the corresponding key array.

[0183]FIG. 29B is a schematic diagram or map showing an embodiment 305for the selection and arrangement of key arrays and cursor controldevices in the left keyboard half 200. Numbers across the top referencethe specific key arrangement embodiment of the keys below; numbers beloweach set of keys designate the corresponding key array.

[0184]FIG. 29C is a schematic diagram or map showing an embodiment 306for assignment of alphanumeric, punctuation and function operations toindividual keys of the right keyboard half 100, according to theembodiment disclosed in FIG. 29A.

[0185]FIG. 29D is a schematic diagram or map showing an embodiment 307for assignment of alphanumeric, punctuation and function operations toindividual keys of the left keyboard half 200, according to theembodiment disclosed in FIG. 29B.

[0186]FIG. 30A is a schematic diagram or map showing an alternativeembodiment 308 for the selection and arrangement of key arrays andcursor control devices in the right keyboard half 100. Numbers acrossthe top reference the specific key arrangement embodiment of the keysbelow; numbers below each set of keys designate the corresponding keyarray.

[0187]FIG. 30B is a schematic diagram or map showing an alternativeembodiment 309 for the selection and arrangement of key arrays andcursor control devices in the left keyboard half 200. Numbers across thetop reference the specific key arrangement embodiment of the keys below;numbers below each set of keys designate the corresponding key array.

[0188]FIG. 30C is a schematic diagram or map showing an alternativeembodiment 310 for assignment of alphanumeric, punctuation and functionoperations to individual keys of the right keyboard half 100 accordingto the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 30A.

[0189]FIG. 30D is a schematic diagram or map showing an alternativeembodiment 311 for assignment of alphanumeric, punctuation and functionoperations to individual keys of the left keyboard half 200 according tothe embodiment disclosed in FIG. 30B.

[0190]FIG. 31 is a schematic representation of face or stroking surfaceof typical key 201, showing the potential space for up to four differentalphanumeric, punctuation and/or function symbols, one in each quadrant220, 221, 222, 223, of said key surface, and indicating the key strokecombination needed to actuate the operation represented by the symbol ineach quadrant, where “key” indicates actuation of the key shown, and“shift” key, “alt” key, and “fn” key indicates actuation of thecorresponding shift, alt and fn keys, respectively, and “+” indicatesthe instruction to actuate the two indicated keys simultaneously.

[0191]FIGS. 32A, 32B and 32C each show an oblique or en face view of thethumb region 10, with alternative embodiments for shapes, sizes,locations and arrangements for keys and cursor control devices for thumbuse.

[0192]FIG. 33 is a transverse section of key array 60 along line 21A-21Aas shown in FIG. 3A, showing, in cross section, the presence of acontoured flexible sheet 106 of variable thickness applied to thesurface of the keys to change the effective key height.

[0193]FIG. 34 is a simplified schematic and block diagram showing theprocess by which both finger presence or light pressure 115 andactuation pressure 113 on each typical key 201 may be separately,simultaneously and uniquely represented on different regions of a videodisplay terminal 110.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0194] To accomplish the goals outlined above, this invention disclosesa keyboard design built around an ergonomically correct wrist rest.Integral to this is an adjacent area upon which to rest the hypothenarregion (the heel) of the palm. This hypothenar rest region providesstability for the hand, such that the hand will not slide or shift asthe forearm and wrist are rotated or positioned for optimum comfort.

[0195] Also adjacent to the wrist rest region is an integral area, thethumb region where are located one or more keys for actuation by thethumb. In contrast to conventional arrangements for thumb keys, thethumb home key (i.e., the key upon which the thumb lightly rests when ina relaxed and ergonomically comfortable rest position) is oriented withits surface more or less perpendicular to the plane of orientation ofthe home keys for the fingers. Additional thumb keys may be actuated bythumb extension or by orthogonal thumb motions, i.e., abduction andadduction. Such permitted motions are those which are natural,comfortable and ergonomically appropriate.

[0196] With wrist, thumb and hypothenar regions positioned comfortablyand naturally upon the keyboard, the appropriate rest locations for thefour fingers, and their corresponding home keys, are naturally andreadily defined. The appropriate locations and orientations for theadditional keys for finger actuation are derived from anatomic andergonomic considerations. The natural motions of the fingers, when thewrist and palm are stationary, are extension and flexion, with minimallateral and medial deviations of the fingers. These constraints definenatural, comfortable, ergonomically appropriate arcs of motion for thefingers, which thereby determine the general locations and orientationsfor the corresponding finger keys. The key surfaces so defined may beenvisioned as being located more or less on the inner surface of aportion of a bowl or sphere (the finger region).

[0197] Features of the invention which derive from these concepts may bebriefly summarized as follows:

[0198] A. The keyboard component of this invention consists of two moreor less symmetrical pieces, each termed a keyboard half. Each half hasan upper portion which rests upon and may be attached to a base. Theupper portion consists of several regions which comprise, among others,a contoured wrist rest, a contiguous hypothenar rest (for the heel ofthe hand), a contiguous thumb region where keys are positioned forappropriate ergonomic actuation by the thumb, an adjacent finger region,and a hemispherical outer surface region, the convex region, whichcontacts and may be attached to a congruent region of the base, thecontact region.

[0199] B. In one embodiment, the base may be contiguous with or attachedto a forearm rest. A region of the base may rest on a table, or besecured to the front, top or underside of a table, chair, chair arm orother supporting structure, or may be supported by some apparatus fromthe floor. A fixed or fixable adjustable connecting apparatus isdisclosed for connecting the keyboard half to the arm rest, chair seat,or to the supporting desk table or other supporting structure.

[0200] C. The upper portion may be attached to, and is freelyadjustable, within certain ranges, in three axes relative to the base,with features to minimize friction between the two. A locking mechanismmay be provided to secure the upper portion in any desired orientationrelative to the base. In an alternative arrangement, palm rest andhypothenar rest region, as well as the thumb region and the finger keyregion, are disposed on a single structure without a separate base, saidsingle structure rests upon or is connected to a supporting table orother structure without the benefit of positional adjustments except assuch adjustments may be derived in a connecting apparatus.

[0201] D. The finger region is a surface, more or less concave, on whichare arrayed keys for actuation by the four fingers. With the wrist andadjacent areas of the palm resting relaxed upon the wrist and hypothenarrests, the fingers will lie on home keys when each finger is naturallyand comfortably relaxed. This produces a home row in which key surfacesare stepped up and down, rather than lying within the same plane.

[0202] I disclose a methodology for determining where in threedimensions these and additional keys may appropriately be positioned forergonomic use according to the guidelines described above and detailedbelow (i.e., utilizing ergonomic motions of the three finger joints withthe palm and hand stationary). The arrangement which results providesfor a number of keys for actuation by any finger which are ordered in avertical key array, which is more or less perpendicular to the home row.Key arrays which are positioned lateral to the key arrays for the indexand small fingers are positioned so that, as for the other key arrays,only ergonomically appropriate motions of those respective fingers areneeded for actuation.

[0203] Because the range of motion (i.e., the arc or sweep) for theshorter fingers is less than for the longer fingers, the spacing betweenkeys, and the actual key sizes, are less for the shorter fingers thanfor the longer ones.

[0204] For some keys in the upper region of a key array, in place of asingle key, two keys may be placed side by side. The top-most key in anyarray may be positioned to be actuated by the back or nail side of thefingertip during full extension. A key may also be positioned foractuation by the back surface of the PIP joint or proximal phalanxduring MCP extension with the PIP joint flexed.

[0205] The key arrays may be curved in two dimensions, and radii ofcurvature vary for each finger, depending upon finger length. The keyarrays are not parallel to each other, but rather are spaced fartherapart at the upper than the lower regions.

[0206] This invention discloses various embodiments for arrangements forkeys for the various key arrangements, discloses embodiments for thearrangements of key arrays for the keys of each keyboard half, anddiscloses embodiments for the assignment of alphanumeric, punctuationand function operations to the keys in said embodiments.

[0207] E. Tile thumb region is positioned to permit the thumb to rest ina natural, ergonomically appropriate position, separated from the indexfinger and rotated slightly outward, so that natural flexion of thethumb brings it toward the side of the index finger, and thence towardthe palm. The various keys for thumb actuation are positioned in more orless orthogonal orientation, so that actuation is accomplished bynatural ergonomic thumb motions, i.e., thumb flexion or extension, orthumb adduction or abduction.

[0208] F. Since a fundamental premise of this new keyboard designparadigm is key actuation without motion of the palm, wrist, forearm andarm, this invention provides that other ancillary keyboard interactions(e.g., control of cursor movement by mouse, pointer, roller ball orother device, or selection of function keys, etc.) may be accomplished,without the need for these unwanted motions, by incorporating thesecursor controllers in place of one or more standard keyboard keys and byincluding a matrix of keys to function as a numeric keypad.

[0209] G. To facilitate use by users with different hand or fingersizes, I disclose an arrangement for adjusting the height of the keysurfaces by the placement of one of a series of flexible contouredsheets of specific, predetermined thickness(es) over the keyboardsurface to raise the key surface to the appropriate distance from theuser's fingertips, or by the use of a contoured flexible sheet placedover the palm rest region and/or the hypothenar rest region, to bringthe user's hand palm and finger tips closer to the keys, or by the useof individual key height adjustments, to raise the height of individualkeys.

[0210] H. To reduce further the effort required for key actuation bysmall fingers, I disclose an arrangement in which the force required forkey actuation by the weaker (shorter) fingers is less than for thelonger fingers. This is accomplished by differences in the springs orother components of keys which determine resistance to key motion foractuation.

[0211] I. To facilitate tactile recognition of individual keys, Idisclose different surface contours, textures, resiliencies and thermalconductivities for the surfaces of individual keys to enhance tactiledistinctions between keys.

[0212] J. To facilitate visual recognition of keys, even when keysurfaces cannot be viewed by the user (due to key orientation orobscuration by the user's hands or keyboard structure), I include anarrangement, (a so-called “heads-up display”) in which light touch on akey provides an indication on the CRT screen of the identity of the keywhen it is touched and before enough pressure is applied to that key tocause its actuation.

[0213] In sum, this invention discloses arrangements which make itpossible for a keyboard user to position himself or herself as may bemaximally comfortable, with shoulder, upper arm, forearm and wristpositions adjusted to the user's preference, and with these portions ofthe upper body as well as the wrists and hypothenar regionsergonomically positioned to the user's preference, comfortably supportedat rest and immobile. The necessary ergonomic requirements forcomfortable operation of keys by fingers and thumb of differentiallengths, while wrist and palm are maintained immobile, are defined inthis invention, and both the methodology for determining appropriate keypositioning and the resulting key arrangements are shown in variousembodiments. Arrangements to permit lockable adjustments to keyboardorientation are disclosed, as well as are arrangements to increase thenumber of available key operations, to accommodate key actuation to thediffering strengths of different digits, to accommodate users withdiffering hand and finger sizes, to enhance tactile cues for keyidentification, and to provide an alternative methodology to providevisual cues to facilitate identification of individual keys. Multiplealternative embodiments of certain features are disclosed, as well asthe multitude of possible combinations and permutations of the variousdisclosed arrangements.

[0214] In summary, my invention consists, individually and in variouscombinations and permutations, of:

[0215] an ergonomic computer keyboard structure and its associateddesign;

[0216] certain component parts of the keyboard with their associatedspecific designs and arrangements;

[0217] arrangement for lockable adjustability of keyboard orientationfor hand, wrist and forearm ergonomic comfort;

[0218] apparatus for lockable adjustable attachment of the keyboard totabletop, chair, forearm rest or other structures;

[0219] apparatus for lockable adjustable support for user's forearmwhile using the keyboard;

[0220] methodology for determining the preferred location of keys foruse in this keyboard;

[0221] apparatus for adjusting the height of keys of this keyboard toconform to various hand and finger sizes;

[0222] preferred arrangements for keys for this keyboard;

[0223] preferred arrangements of alphanumeric, punctuation and functionassignments for said key arrangements for this keyboard;

[0224] arrangements for providing tactile cues to user for locating keyswhile using this keyboard; and

[0225] arrangements for computer software and for key actuationmechanism which together provide visual cues to the user for locatingkeys while using this keyboard.

[0226] In various places throughout this description of my invention, Idisclose an embodiment or an embodiment of one or more features,arrangements, mechanisms or designs of my invention, along with one ormore additional or alternative embodiments of one or more of thosefeatures. It should be understood that, rather than representingmutually exclusive alternatives, the various embodiments, preferredembodiments and alternative embodiments I have disclosed can and shouldbe considered as if they had been presented and disclosed in all oftheir possible individual embodiments as well as all of their variouscombinations and permutations. Figures which illustrate one or moreembodiments should not be interpreted as excluding other embodimentsdescribed or suggested in the text or included by these caveats.

[0227] Certain components of this inventions contain features ofadjustability. The figures used to present those components in oneposition, orientation or arrangement are meant as illustrations, and arenot intended to exclude other possible positions, orientations orarrangements. All illustrations which show the right keyboard half 100,or any portion thereof, or a right forearm rest 40, should beinterpreted as automatically indicating the presence of a similar,mirror image embodiment for the left keyboard half 200, or correspondingportion thereof, or of a left forearm rest, respectively. Similarly, anytextual reference to any such illustration should be similarlyinterpreted. Section headings in bold type, subheadings and textformatting features (e.g., text in bold or italics, bullet points) areprovided for convenience but do not constitute essential parts of thedescription of this invention. Numbers in bold and figure designationsin bold are essential features of this disclosure.

[0228] A. Overall Shape, Appearance and Component Parts of the Keyboard,Including Identification and General Description of Multiple SpecificSurface Regions, Relationships Among Adjacent Regions and Between TheseRegions and Corresponding Portions of the Hand.

[0229] Split Keyboard:

[0230] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and furthered detailed in subsequentfigures, one aspect of the physical apparatus of this invention consistsof a keyboard structure containing keys, actuated by pressure applied byone of the ten digits, said keys utilized for data entry into a computerprocessing unit either by direct wiring or some other form ofcommunication, including infrared, radio waves, sound waves or othermechanisms. The keyboard is similar to a standard computer keyboard inthat it contains more or less the usual number of keys, said keysarranged more or less in the typical “QWRETY” pattern, and actuation ofsaid keys requiring digit pressure applied to the stroking surface ofthe key.

[0231] The keyboard structure is separated or divided into two sections,right 100 and left 200, which are each termed a keyboard half. Thekeyboard halves 100, 200 are approximately symmetric mirror images ofeach other, although the precise number and arrangement of keys, and thepotential substitution of a keyboard cursor controller for one or morekeys, and other necessary improvements, may differ slightly between thetwo keyboard halves, thereby disturbing the precise symmetry. Unlessotherwise indicated, such substitutions or rearrangements can beaccomplished in either keyboard half, and thus the illustrated ordescribed unique features of either keyboard half may be interpreted asdisclosed in either and both halves; hence, a description of onekeyboard half should suffice and the description of only the rightkeyboard half 100 is provided, with limited exceptions. External viewsof the right keyboard half 100 are summarized in FIG. 2, and shown ingreater detail in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B.FIG. 2A is an orientation drawing to clarify the views provided invarious other figures.

[0232] The separation of the keyboard into two independent sections 100and 200, which may be physically separated from each other andpositioned as may suit the user, allows selection of the optimal amountof hand separation during keyboard use (and thus selection of theoptimal degree of upper arm/shoulder internal rotation), therebyenhancing user comfort and minimizing strain and fatigue. Base and upperportion sections of each keyboard half:

[0233] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3-7, each keyboard half consists oftwo pieces, a base 1 and an upper portion 2.

[0234] Except for the keys and cursor control device, all of theelectronic and other components necessary for the function of thekeyboard may be contained in either the base 1 or upper portion 2, maylocated in a computer case, containing Computer Processor Unit (CPU) andother computer electronics, or elsewhere, or may be divided among them.

[0235] Base:

[0236] Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3-11, 15-17 and 20, the base 1 isa three-dimensional structure which may be, at least partially, hollow.Its surface comprises several regions. One region of its surface, thecontact region 3, is more or less oriented upward, and is in physicalcontact with portions of a specific congruent surface region of theupper portion, the convex region 4 (FIGS. 5, 6, 13, 14, 15B, 16A, 16B,16G, 16H and 20) more or less on the underside of the upper portion 2.In another embodiment, three or more ball bearing 5 or other similardevices are positioned on and attached to the contact region 3 andjuxtaposed between the contact region 3 of the base 1 and convex region4 of the upper portion 2 to reduce friction (FIGS. 8, 9, 11, 15A, 15B,16A, 16C, 16F, 16G, 16H, 17 and 20).

[0237] Another region 6 of the base surface, more or less on theunderside of the base may be utilized to rest upon a table or similarsurface for support (FIGS. 3A and 4A.)

[0238] A region or regions of the base surface may be for support orconnection to a supporting apparatus 7, or for other similar purposes,as discussed below (FIGS. 8, 18A, 18B and 19).

[0239] Upper Portion:

[0240] Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3-7, 13, 14, 15B, 16A, 16B, 16G,16H, 21, 22 and 23, the upper portion 2 is a three dimensional structurewhich is, at least in part, hollow. It comprises a number of surfaceregions. The physical relationship among these regions is showndiagrammatically in FIG. 3C.

[0241] One surface region, the convex region 4, is convex, representinga portion of the outer surface of a sphere. This region is in contactwith corresponding contact region 3 of the base, but with aforementionedproviso to permit the inclusion of devices to reduce friction betweenthese surfaces.

[0242] Another region of the upper portion 2, termed the pain restregion 8, comprises a complexly curved surface, more or lesscylindrical, upon which the appropriate region of the user's palm, (andpossibly the adjacent distal portion of the wrist) may comfortably rest.

[0243] Adjacent to this palm rest region 8, at one end of itscylindrical structure, is a contiguous surface region of the upperportion 2, termed the hypothenar rest region 9. This is a complexlycurved region, somewhat approximating the shape of the inner surface ofa portion of a truncated cone or of a flared skirt. The region of thepalm toward the heel of the hand (the hypothenar eminence) will restupon this surface when the palm rest region supports the correspondingregion of the hand.

[0244] At the end of the palm rest region 8, opposite from thehypothenar rest region 9, is located a contiguous region of the upperportion 2, termed the thumb region 10, where the thumb will naturallyand comfortably rest when the palm is positioned on the palm rest andthe thumb is separated from the index finger and rotated outwardslightly 11 (as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C). In this positionflexion 12 of the thumb's metacarpophalangeal (MCP) 13 andinterphalangeal (IP) 14 joints will naturally bring the tip of the thumbtoward the side of the index finger and thence toward the palm in theabsence of the structural impediments created by the physical presenceof the thumb region. The shape of the thumb region 10 surface iscomplexly curved, but may be recognized as somewhat similar to theinside of the portion of a tube. In an embodiment, the inner surface ofthis tube contains keys and/or cursor control devices as described belowwhich may be actuated by natural, comfortable and ergonomic motions ofthe thumb, as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C.

[0245] The thumb region 10 and the hypothenar rest region 9 are arrangedmore or less along the longitudinal axis of the palm rest region 8(FIGS. 3C and 4A).

[0246] Another region of the upper portion 2, the finger region 15, isanother surface region which is adjacent to the palm rest region 8. Itcomprises a surface on which are arrayed keys and/or cursor controldevices. This surface is complexly curved, but may be approximated as aportion of the inside of a sphere or bowl, with the keys arrayed on theinner surface thereof. As shown in FIG. 3C, this surface is more or lesscontiguous with the palm rest region and extends laterally from it, suchthat the fingers will naturally lie near or on these keys, and may reachall of them comfortably with natural ergonomic motions, when the thumb,palm and hypothenar regions of the hand rest naturally and comfortablyupon the corresponding regions of the upper portion (FIGS. 1B, 3B, 7B,20 and 21B). A portion of the outer surface of the finger region is theconvex region 4.

[0247] A region of the upper portion surface (not shown) may containmechanisms to gain access to the interior of the upper portion 2.

[0248] A region of the upper portion 2 (not shown) may contain anapparatus for communication with the CPU, including wire or wirelesstransmission; alternatively, some or all of these apparati may lie uponthe surface or within the interior space of the base.

[0249] An area of the convex region 4 may be utilized for affixing a rod21 or, alternatively, the convex region 4 may contain an openingallowing a rod 21 from the outside to protrude into the interior of theupper portion 2 (FIGS. 15B, 16A, 16B, 16G and 16H).

[0250] This invention envisions arrangements, readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, by which the palm rest region 8, the hypothenarregion 9 and the thumb region 10 are rendered discontinuous butconnected to each other and the distance between them renderedadjustable by standard mechanisms, thereby permitting the upper portion2 to accommodate, in an optimal fashion, hands of different sizes andshapes. Similarly, this invention envisions arrangements, readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, by which the palm rest region 8,the hypothenar region 9 and the thumb region 10 are rendereddiscontinuous from, but connected to, the finger region 15, and thedistance between them rendered adjustable by standard mechanisms,thereby permitting the upper portion 2 to accommodate, in an optimalfashion, hands and fingers of different sizes and shapes.

[0251] To enhance user comfort, the top surface of the palm rest region8 and the hypothenar rest region 9 is covered with cushioning material250 (FIG. 4C) comprising foam, leather, soft plastic, or similarmaterial, or gel or other viscous material enclosed in a leakproofmaterial, which may mold to the shape of the user's wrist and hypothenarregions for maximal comfort.

[0252] B. Nature of the Mechanical and Physical Interaction Between Baseand Upper Portion.

[0253] Referring now to FIGS. 3B, 4A, 4B, 7B, 15A, 15B, 16A, 16H and 17,the contact region 3 of the base 1, which contacts the convex region 4of the upper portion, is designed so that the upper portion may (withcertain imposed constraints) rotate freely in three orthogonal axes 17(FIG. 4A) with respect to the base, while remaining in contact with thecontact region. Indeed, for this reason, the various figures which showthe base and upper portion together illustrate only one of an infiniterange of orientations between the two; the preferred position may beselected by each user.

[0254] As shown in FIGS. 3B, 4B and 7B, simultaneous rotationaladjustments of the forearm and wrist are possible with respect tomedial/lateral deviation 41, internal/external rotation 42 andflexion/extension 43. The center of rotation 204 (FIG. 15B) for theupper portion in all three axes is more or less within the midportion ofthe hand as it rests on the palm rest, though the center of rotationcould be as much as several centimeters distant from that location. Thisarrangement provides that rotational adjustments of wrist and forearmpositions 41, 42, 43 by the use of this mechanism are not associatedwith significant translational motion of the hands, thereby avoiding theneed for significant repositioning of the hands (up/down, forward/backor laterally/medially) as the rotational adjustments are made. Thus,each user may orient the upper portion to achieve the individuallyoptimal position for forearm and wrist comfort, and thereby reduce thetendency for stress, fatigue and carpal tunnel syndrome.

[0255] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15B, the contact region 3is a concave surface of almost the same radius of curvature 18 as theradius of curvature 205 of the convex region 4. Thus, both surfaces areportions of spheres which have a single common center 204, and the upperportion may therefore rotate, to some extent, in any of three axes 17(see FIG. 4A), around that center 204 while remaining in contact withthe base 1. The congruency of the two spheres ensures that, as theconvex region 4 slides over the contact region 3, the upper portion 2continues to rotate around that common center of rotation 204.

[0256] Further, in a further refinement of this embodiment, the rotationof the upper portion 2 relative to the base may be facilitated by theinclusion of lubricant or of some mechanism to reduce friction. In thisrefinement of the embodiment (FIGS. 8, 9, 11, 15A, 15B, 16A, 16H and17), three (or more) ball bearings 5, spaced at equal distances fromeach other, may be located on or secured within the contact region 4 ofthe base 1, and secured by an appropriate mechanism to the base or, inan alternative variation, the equidistant ball bearing may be located onor secured within the convex region 4 of the upper portion 2. In bothvariations of this refinement, each ball bearing may rotate freely inthree orthogonal axes, facilitating the free movement of the upperportion 2B relative to the base 2 with certain imposed constraints onthe maximal distance of upper portion rotation in any direction, asdetailed below.

[0257] An embodiment 301 for a mechanism to secure a ball bearing to thesurface of the base 1 or upper portion 2 is shown in FIGS. 16C, 16D and16F. This arrangement comprises a housing 254 with four rectangular,orthogonal and connected side walls and a square floor 261 attached tothe bottom surface of the four side walls, said floor optionallycontaining an opening, which may be rectangular, for access to theinterior of the housing 254, and said side walls attached along theirfree edge to the interior surface 24 of the base 1 or the interiorsurface of the upper portion 2, as may be appropriate to the particularembodiment of the invention. Contained within the housing 254 andsecured to it are four supports 253, each support 253 arrayed with itsbase resting on or near a corner of the floor 261 of the housing 254,and each support 253 containing an upper area comprising two slots 255,clips or other similar retaining devices, each such slot 255 receivingone axle end 252 of a roller 251, said slot 255 preventing translationalmovement of, but not impeding rotational movement of the axles 252 androllers 251 attached thereto. A ball bearing 5 of a diameter greaterthan the distance between opposing parallel rollers 251 rests itssubequatorial region upon the four rollers 251. The supraequatorialregion of the ball bearing 5 projects through a circular opening in thesurface of the base 1 or upper portion 2 as may be appropriate for theparticular embodiment of this invention, said opening being of smallerdiameter than that of the diameter of the ball bearing 5. Thus, the ballbearing is retained within a space bounded by the rollers 251 and theopening in the surface of the base 1 or upper portion 2. In anembodiment, as in FIGS. 15A and 15B, rotation of the upper portion 2relative to the base 1 causes the ball bearings 5 to rotate, suchrotation being facilitated by contact of each ball bearing 5 againstrollers 251, which to varying degrees may rotate as the ball bearingrotates, or may serve as a pivot point for low friction rotation of theball bearing 5, thereby minimizing friction and resistance to ballbearing 5 rotation. In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 11, 15A, 15B,16A and 16B a minimum of three such devices 301, each with itsassociated ball bearing 5, is arrayed in from the inside surface 24 ofthe contact region 3.

[0258] An alternative arrangement 303 for a mechanism to secure a ballbearing to the surface of the base 1 or upper portion 2 is shown inFIGS. 16E, 16F, 16G and 16H. This arrangement comprises a housing 258with four rectangular, orthogonal and connected side walls and a squarefloor attached to the bottom surface of the four side walls, said flooroptionally containing a rectangular opening for access to the interiorof the housing 258, and said side walls attached along their free edgeto the interior surface 24 of the base 1 or the interior surface of theupper portion 2, as may be appropriate to the particular embodiment ofthe invention. Contained within the housing 258 and resting upon itsfloor is a one end of a coil or similar spring device 257, upon whoseopposite end rests the undersurface of the floor 262 of a movablehousing 256, comprising four rectangular, orthogonal and connected sidewalls and a square floor 262 attached to the bottom surface of the fourside walls, said floor 262 optionally containing a rectangular openingfor access to the interior of the movable housing 256. Secured to theupper surface of the floor 262 of the movable housing 256 are foursupports 253, each arrayed with their base resting on or near a cornerof the floor 262 of the movable housing 258, and each support containingan upper area comprising two slots 255, clips or other similar retainingdevices, each such device 255 receiving the axle end 252 of a roller251, said device 255 preventing translational movement of, but notimpeding rotational movement of the axles 252 and rollers 251 attachedthereto. A ball bearing 5 of diameter greater than the distance betweenopposing parallel rollers 251 rests its subequatorial region upon thefour rollers 251. The supraequatorial region of the ball bearing 5projects through a circular opening in the surface of the base 1 orupper portion 2, as may be appropriate for the particular embodiment ofthis invention, said opening being of smaller diameter than that of thediameter of the ball bearing 5. Thus, the ball bearing is retainedwithin a space bounded by the rollers 251 and the opening in the surfaceof the base 1 or upper portion 2. In a preferred embodiment, as in FIGS.16G and 16H, rotation of the upper portion 2 relative to the base 1causes the ball bearings 5 to rotate, such rotation being facilitated bycontact of each ball bearing 5 against rollers 251, which to varyingdegrees may rotate as the ball bearing rotates, or may serve as a pivotpoint for low friction rotation of the ball bearing 5, therebyminimizing friction and resistance to ball bearing 5 rotation. A minimumof three such devices 303, each with its associated ball bearing 5, isarrayed from the inside surface 24 of the contact region 3 in theembodiment as shown in FIGS. 11, 16G and 16H.

[0259] In one embodiment (FIGS. 15B, 16A, 16B, 16G, 16H and 17A) amechanism is provided to connect and attach the upper portion 2 to thebase 1 so as to prevent them from becoming separated, and to permit theupper portion 2 to be secured relative to the base 1 in any desiredposition within the certain constraints detailed below, yet to permitthe base 1 again to move to any other desired and permissible positionand again be secured in that position. In the embodiment, as in FIGS. 8,11 and 15-17, the base 1 is provided with a round opening 19 in thecenter of the contact region 3, permitting access into a portion of theinterior region 20 of the base. Secured (by mechanisms detailed below)to the inner surface 203 of the convex region 4, and projecting from it,is a rod 21 or similar structure which extends through the opening 19 inthe base 1. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 17, the upper portion's 2 range ofmotion 37 is thereby limited by contact between the rod 21 and anyportion of the rim or edge 22 of the opening 19 in the base 1. The sizeof the opening 19 and the diameter of the rod 21 thus determine themaximum range of motion of the upper portion 2 relative to the base 1.

[0260] Referring now to FIGS. 13-17, a disc, washer, or equivalentstructure 16, whether with smooth continuous or discontinuous perimetercircumference (or a similar structure with open spaces) either flat orrepresenting a portion of the surface of a sphere (with a radius ofcurvature to match the inner surface of the base 1) and of solidmaterial, is fixably attached to one end of the aforementioned rod 21,and is positioned within the interior of the base. The length of the rod21 projecting beyond the convex region 4 is such as to keep the disc 16within close proximity to the inner surface 24 of the base 1. Thediameter of the disc 16 is larger than the diameter of the opening 19 ofthe base, thus preventing the disc 16 from pulling through the opening19 and thereby preventing the upper portion 2 from separating from thebase 1. The other end of the rod 21 is fixably or movably attached toupper portion 2 by mechanisms described below.

[0261] Referring to FIGS. 15B, 16A and 16B, a further embodiment of thisinvention comprises a locking mechanism 346 by which the upper portion 2may be locked or secured in any position relative to the base 1 by meansof the aforementioned disc, washer or similar structure 16. By variousmechanisms discussed below the disc 16 may be pulled tight against theinterior surface 24 of the contact region 3 to prevent rotational motion17 of the upper portion 2 relative to the base 1, or released from suchcontact, thereby permitting such motion with subsequent reversiblefixation.

[0262] In another arrangement, not shown, the same locking mechanism maybe placed in another location in which the surfaces of the base andupper portion may be in apposition. In another embodiment not shown, thedisc 16 of convex rather than concave shape, is located within theinterior of the upper portion 2, and connected to the rod 21 whichprojects through an circular opening in the convex region 4 and isfixably or movably connected, by certain mechanisms analogous to thosedescribed immediately below for the embodiments, to the base 1, suchthat disc 16 may be pulled tight against the interior surface of theconvex region 4 to prevent rotational motion 17 of the upper portion 2relative to the base 1, or released from such contact, therebypermitting such motion.

[0263] In an embodiment 346 (FIGS. 16A and 16B) of this lockingmechanism the device utilized to release and secure this lockingmechanism may be a cable 25 coaxially inside a flexible cylindrical tube26, similar to a camera cable release. One end of the cable 25 (“userend”) is connected, through the exterior surface of the upper portion 2,to a lever, button, or similar device 27 which is located on or near thethumb region 10, as in FIGS. 1A, 4A and 7A, or alternatively on or nearthe finger region 15 or elsewhere on the upper portion 2, and said lever27 may be depressed or otherwise actuated by pressure or motion 28 ofthe user's thumb or finger, as in FIG. 16A. One end 29 of thecylindrical tube 26 is fixably secured to the inner surface 203 of theupper portion 2 beneath the lever 27, and the other end 206, which mayexpanded in diameter, is fixably secured to the inner surface 30 of theconvex region 4, such that it surrounds the opening 31 in the convexregion 4 through which the rod 21 projects. The other end 312 of thecable 25 makes contact with the end 32 of the rod 21 (the “upper” end)opposite from the end attached to the disc 16. A small collar 33 orsimilar enlargement is provided at the upper end 32 of the rod 21. Aspring 34 is positioned around the rod 21, and is situated between, andmakes contact with, the collar 33 and the inner surface 203 of the upperportion inside the enlarged end 206 of cylindrical tube 26. The spring34 provides pressure or force 35 between the collar 33 and the innersurface 203 of the upper portion, thereby applying pressure of force 36on the rod 21 and disc 16 to maintain tight contact 23 between the disc16 and the inner surface 24 of the base 1. Pressure 28 applied by theuser to the lever 27 displaces the cable 25 longitudinally forward,creating force 345 upon the upper end 32 of the rod 21; said force, whengreater than the opposing force 35 of the spring 34, moves the rod 21toward the interior of the base 1 against the movement of the rod 21releases the disc 16 from its contact 23 with the inner surface 24 ofthe base 1, permitting motion of the upper portion 2 relative to thebase 1. When the pressure 28 is reduced below the force 35 of the spring34 the disc 16 returns to its contact 23 with the inner surface 24 ofthe base 1, thereby again locking the base 1 relative to the upperportion 4.

[0264] In an alternative arrangement, not illustrated, for this lockingmechanism 346, a lever mechanism or a series of mechanical linkages, orone or more hydraulic lines, or various combinations thereof, issubstituted for the cable release in the aforementioned lockingmechanism 346. Pressure 28 applied by the user's finger or thumb to arod, lever, button or similar structure 27 on or near the thumb orfinger region or elsewhere on the upper portion 2, is transmitted bysuch linkages, which may include one or more levers, and/or hydrauliclines, to the upper end 32 of the rod 21 as described above. Thatpressure 28 has the same consequent effects as described above.

[0265] In another embodiment 347 (FIGS. 16F, 16G and 16H) of a lockingmechanism, the upper end 32 of the rod 21 is fixably attached to convexregion 4 of the upper portion 2 and the opposite end of the rod 21,which projects through the opening 19 in the convex region 3 of the base1, is fixably attached to the center of a disc 16, as described above,said rod 21 being of appropriate length to keep the surface of the disc16 in close proximity to the inner surface 24 of the base 1. Each ofthree equidistant ball bearings are secured to the surface of thecontact region 3 with housing 303. Pressure of the springs 257 push theball bearings 5 against the convex region 4, raising the upper portionslightly away from the base and thereby pulling the disc 16 against 23the inner surface 24 of the base 1, preventing motion of the upperportion 2 relative to the base 1. When the user applies downward force260 on the upper portion 2, the force is transferred to each ballbearing 5 and its associated housing 303, such that each moveablehousing 256 is displaced downward against the weaker opposing force ofthe spring 257. The displacement of the ball bearings 5 brings the upperportion 2 closer to the base 1, thereby releasing the disc 16 from itscontact 23 with the inner surface 24 of the base 1, permitting motion ofthe upper portion 2 relative to the base 1. Reduction of the downwardforce 260 applied by the user to the upper portion results in renewedcontact 23 of the disc 16 with the inner surface 24 of the base 1,thereby locking the position of the upper portion 2 relative to the base1.

[0266] Other mechanisms not shown may be utilized to lock the base 1 tothe upper portion 2 in the desired position, and then release the upperportion from the base for repositioning and locking.

[0267] This invention also comprises an alternative embodiment for eachkeyboard half 100, 200 in which each keyboard half 100, 200 is a singlestructure whose surface comprises a palm rest region 8, a hypothenarrest region 9, a thumb region 10, a finger key region 15, a region 6 forresting upon a table or similar surface, a region 7 for attachment ofapparatus for fixable or adjustable attachment to chair, armrest, tableor similar structure, and an interior space region which is at leastpartially hollow, the nature, design, arrangement and function of eachsuch surface and interior region being as described elsewhere in thisdisclosure.

[0268] C. Relationship Between Keyboard Halves and Desk, Chair orArmrest, Including Issues of Adjustability, Ergonomics and Comfort.

[0269] Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, a key feature of this inventionis the ability to use this keyboard while seated in various positionswhich are comfortable, convenient and ergonomically appropriate, saidpositions involving optimal positioning of the upper arms, forearms,wrists, hands and digits and resting support of the forearm, wrist andpalm regions. Various components of this invention are included toachieve this goal.

[0270] In another embodiment the user's forearm rests upon a forearmrest 40 which is adjustable to the user's preference, and simultaneouslythe keyboard half 100 is positioned such that the various regions of theuser's hand and wrist may be comfortably positioned upon thecorresponding regions of keyboard 100 to the user's preference, and theupper portion 2 rotated and positioned relative to the base 1 such thatarm, forearm, wrist and hand are positioned for maximal comfortaccording to the user's preference. In such an arrangement the degreesof hand separation, forearm elevation/depression, hand height relativeto forearm height, forearm internal/external rotation, wristflexion/extension, and wrist ulnar/radial deviation are all infinitelyadjustable within predetermined ranges to achieve the optimal degree ofuser comfort, relief from stress and fatigue, and to minimize the risksof repetitive stress injury and carpal tunnel syndrome. Variousembodiments of this invention are presented to illustrate arrangementsby which the relationship between forearm rest 40 and keyboard half 100be maintained when chair and desk/table, are component's of the user'senvironment. In all of the various embodiments, in order to enhance usercomfort, the top surface 39 of the forearm rest 40 may be covered withcushioning material 249 comprising foam, leather, soft plastic, orsimilar material, or gel or other viscous material enclosed in aleakproof material which may mold to the shape of the user's forearm formaximal comfort. In an alternative arrangement, not further detailed,the user may operate the keyboard invention without any forearm rest,though with reduced benefits regarding comfort, stress relief andreduction in repetitive stress.

[0271] In one embodiment of this invention the keyboard half 100 restsupon a desk or table. The users chair, comprising in part a forearm rest40 of conventional design and attachment to the chair, is positioned bythe user at a comfortable distance from the desk or table. Increasedcomfort will be achieved when the chair height and forearm rest 40height are adjusted to align the forearm rest at the same height as thekeyboard half 100, 200, so that the forearm, wrist and hand arecomfortably aligned in appropriate ergonomic positions as they rest uponthe forearm rest 40, the palm rest region 8 and the hypothenar restregion 9, respectively.

[0272] In a second embodiment of this invention the keyboard half 100 isattached to the front or side or underside of a table or desk or similarstructure by means of a supporting apparatus 7 (FIG. 8) which is fixablysecured to a region of the base 1, the apparatus 7 being secured totable and/or base 1 in such a manner as to place the palm rest region 8,the hypothenar rest region 9 and the thumb region 10 at the user'sdesired or preferred height. The user's chair, comprising in part aforearm rest 40 of conventional design and attachment to the chair, ispositioned by the user at a comfortable distance from the both keyboardhalves 100 and 200. Increased comfort will be achieved when the chairheight and forearm rest 40 height are adjusted to align the forearm restat the same height as the keyboard half 100 so that the forearm, wristand hand are comfortably aligned in appropriate ergonomic positions asthey rest upon the forearm rest 40, the palm rest region 8 and thehypothenar rest region 9, respectively.

[0273] In a third embodiment of this invention a keyboard half 100 isadjustably secured to a forearm rest 40 of conventional design by meansof adjustable connecting apparatus 224, as further described below, andeither the keyboard half 100, the forearm rest 40 or the connectingapparatus 224 rests upon or is secured to a supporting surface orstructure, as may be appropriate for the particular arrangement orapplication. To enhance user comfort, the top surface 39 of the forearmrest 40 may be covered with cushioning material 249 comprising foam,leather, soft plastic, or similar material, or gel or other viscousmaterial enclosed in a leakproof material which may mold to the shape ofthe user's forearm for maximal comfort. FIG. 18A shows one arrangementfor use of this connecting apparatus 224, wherein the standard forearmrest 40 is adjustably or fixably secured to the user's chair byconventional means, and said forearm rest 40 is adjustably connected tothe base 1 of the keyboard half 100 by means of the connecting apparatus224. FIG. 18B shows another arrangement, in which the base 1 of thekeyboard half 100 is fixably or adjustably attached to the base of theuser's chair by apparatus 232, as further described below, and base 1 isadjustably attached to forearm rest 40 by means of connecting apparatus224.

[0274] In other arrangements not illustrated, the forearm rest andkeyboard half 100 are adjustably connected as detailing below by theconnecting apparatus 224, and either the forearm rest 40 or the keyboardhalf 100 or the connecting apparatus 224 is supported on the floor ortable or user's thighs, or other body regions, or attached to a wall, bymeans of one or more supporting rods, cylinders or other apparati.

[0275] One embodiment of a supporting apparatus 224 is shown in FIGS.18A, 18B, 19A and 19B. Connecting apparatus 224 (FIGS. 19A and 19B)comprises two ball 230 and socket 237 joints, a slidably adjustablejoint apparatus, and various connecting rods or tubes. Tube or rod 225is fixably attached to ball 230 which engages socket 237, whose positionis adjustably secured by conventional screw-type pressure fitting andknob 231. One end of tube or rod 226 is fixably connected to socket 237and its other end extends coaxially within tube 227, whose innerdiameter is minimally greater the outside diameter of tube or rod 226.Sleeve 228, whose inside diameter is minimally greater than the outsidediameter of tube 227, and whose length is a small fraction of the lengthof tubes 226, 227, is fixably secured to tube 227 toward one end of tube227 by means of two or more radially oriented set screws 235 threadedinto radially oriented threaded holes 234 in sleeve 228, such that, whenset screws 235 are tightened, the inner ends of set screws 235 pressiblycontact tube 227 and render it immobile in any of an infinite range oflength and rotatory positions. Sleeve 228 also comprises an radiallyoriented threaded hole 233, of smaller diameter than radially orientedhole 238 near adjacent end of tube 227, such that threaded machine screwwith knob 229 threadably engages hole 233 and extends through hole 238,where it pressibly contacts disc 236, whose pressible contact with tube226 renders it immobile in any of an infinite range of length androtatory positions. Free end of both tubes or rods 225 may be fixablysecured by conventional means to forearm rest 40, to seat, back or otherregion of user's chair, to base 1 or other region of keyboard half 100,and/or to desk or table front, side or underneath region, or to otherstructures, as may be appropriate for the particular embodiment of thisinvention.

[0276] Apparatus 232 (FIG. 18B) comprises a bent rod, tube or similarstructure, or a series of fixably connected rods, tubes or similarstructures, or alternatively connecting apparatus 224 in which therelative lengths of rods or tubes 225 and tubes 226, 227 are varied fromthose illustrated in FIG. 19A. Furthermore, one or more rods 225 may bereplaced with the arrangement shown in FIG. 19B.

[0277] Thoughtful inspection of the concepts and arrangements disclosedherein will indicate that the various embodiments of this inventionachieve the goals detailed above of achieving full individualadjustability for comfortable, restful, ergonomic positioning of all ofthe various regions and joints of each user's upper extremity whileoperating this invention.

[0278] D. Detailed Description of Finger Key Region.

[0279] Rest Position of Fingers, and the Home Row

[0280] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12C, when the wrist is held is slightdorsiflexion, the natural relaxed position of the fingers and thumbplaces the fingers in a comfortable position in which they are partiallycurved, or flexed, and slightly spread apart, and the thumb partiallyflexed and externally rotated away from the side of the adjacent indexfinger, as in FIGS. 12A-12C. Thus, in the preferred embodiment of thisinvention, as shown in FIGS. 1B, 3B, 4B, 6B, 7B, 18A, 20, 21B, 22A, 22B,23A, 23B, 23C and 25C, when the upper extremity rests in a relaxed andcomfortable fashion, with the forearm in contact with the forearm rest40, if present, and the palm and adjacent region of the wrist in contactwith the palm rest region 8, and the hypothenar region of the hand incontact with the hypothenar rest region 9, the fingers will come to restin a relaxed and comfortable position in which they are partiallycurved, or flexed, and slightly spread apart, and the thumb partiallyflexed and externally rotated away from the side of the adjacent indexfinger, as in FIGS. 3B, 4B, 6B, 7B, 18A, 20, 21B, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B,23C and 25C, the rest position. The fingers will occupy the spacepartially bounded by the finger region 15 of the upper portion 2, (FIGS.3A, 3C and 21B), with the tips of the fingers describing a curve 207(FIG. 12C). Certain keys, designated the home row keys 44, 45, 46, 47are positioned and spatially oriented (FIGS. 3A, 20, 21A and 27A-27D)along line 1-1 (FIGS. 3A and 3B), such that the tips of the index, long,ring and small fingers naturally make light contact with these keys 44,45, 46, 47, respectively, when the fingers are naturally relaxed in therest position (FIGS. 20 and 21B). Further, in this rest position thethumb will be adjacent to the thumb region 10, as in FIGS. 1B, 3B, 4B,6B and 7B. A certain key, designated the thumb home key 48 oralternatively a thumb cursor controller roller ball 95, or alternativelya thumb cursor controller 96 is positioned and spatially oriented (FIGS.1A, 4A, 7A, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B and 23C) such that, with the thumb in therest position, the tip of the thumb naturally make light contact withthe thumb home key 48 or alternatively a thumb cursor controller rollerball 95, or alternatively a thumb cursor controller 96, as in FIGS. 4B,7B, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B and 23C.

[0281] Biomechanics of finger movements including flexion/extension andlateral movement:

[0282] Considerations pertaining to natural, comfortable and ergonomicmotions of the fingers and thumb are fundamental to the design of thiskeyboard and the placement of keys thereon. The fundamental designconstraint of this invention, namely that the wrist and palm arepositioned and maintained stationary and at rest on the palm rest 8,necessitates that natural, comfortable and ergonomically appropriate keyactuation by any finger may be accomplished only with motions of the MCP53, PIP 54 and DIP 55 joints (FIG. 25A) and by the thumb primarily withmotions of the MCP 13 and interphalangeal joint 14 (FIG. 12A).

[0283] Considering now the fingers, a review of the functional anatomyof the MCP joints 53 indicates that there is a natural ergonomicallyappropriate plane of motion of this joint, namely flexion and extension;similar considerations apply to the PIP 54 and DIP 55 joints. The motionof the finger as it sweeps from full flexion of all three joints to fullextension of those joints as in FIG. 25A, defines the plane of motionfor that finger, namely for the index finger 56, for the long finger 57,for the ring finger 58, and for the small finger 59. According to thisinvention the keys which can be comfortably and easily actuated by anysingle finger are thus those whose stroking surfaces more or lessintersect the plane of motion that finger, as in FIGS. 25B and 25C. Therelative three dimensional spatial orientation of these planes is shownin FIG. 24A. I define the keys actuated by a finger in its plane ofmotion as a key array. The centerline for each key array represent thelongitudinal midline along and about which the various keys may beplaced. As shown partially in FIG. 3A and schematically in FIGS. 29A,29B, 30A and 30B, the centerlines for the key arrays and thecorresponding key array designations are along the cross-sectionalarrows, which for the index finger are lines 21A-21A, labeled as array60; for the long finger are lines 27B-27B, labeled as array 61; for thering finger are lines 27C-27C, labeled as array 62; and for the smallfinger are lines 27D-27D, labeled as array 63.

[0284] Defining the placement of key surfaces in the key array for eachfinger:

[0285] Referring now to FIGS. 25A and 25B, when the upper extremityrests in a relaxed and comfortable fashion, with the forearm in contactwith the forearm rest 40, if present, and the palm and adjacent regionof the wrist immobile and in contact with the palm rest region 8, thetip of the finger will describe an arc as the MCP 53, PIP 54 and DIP 55joints move from maximum extension to maximum flexion. The center 64 ofthat arc is located at the MCP joint 53. Multiple arcs can be described,depending upon the degree of flexion and/or extension of thecorresponding PIP 54 and DIP 55 joints. Two extreme arcs can beidentified: one arc 65, with the PIP and DIP joints maximally extended,defining the maximum reach of that finger, and a second arc 66, with thePIP and DIP joints maximally flexed, defining a minimum reach of thefinger. The former arc 65 defines the maximum extent to which any key201, placed within the arc of motion of the finger, could be depressed67 by that finger while the wrist and palm are stationary. Thus thepractical location for the stroking surface of such keys 201 will, ofnecessity, be closer to the center 64 of the MCP joint 53 than thatmaximum arc 65, and indeed closer at least by a distance equal to thedistance 68 that the key 201 moves 69 when the key is maximallydepressed 67 during key actuation. That closer location defines themaximal appropriate distance 70 for any key surface from the center 64of the MCP joint 53, as in FIG. 25B.

[0286] Referring to FIG. 25B, the stroking surface of a key 201 can belocated closer to the center 64 of the MCP joint 53 than that maximaldistance 70, thereby reducing the stretch or reach required for thefinger to actuate the key. There is, however, a minimal requireddistance 66 from key stroking surface to the center 64 of the MCP joint53, namely the minimal arc of finger tip motion, as defined above. Ifthe keystroking surface is closer than that distance 66, the fingertip(or the back surface of the flexed finger) will strike the keyinadvertently when moving through its arc of motion to actuate otherkeys. Thus, these considerations define a potential space 71 (i.e.,between the minimal 66 and maximal 70 key stroking surface positions)within the plane of motion of each finger 56, 57, 58, 59 where thestroking surfaces of the keys may appropriately be placed according tothe principles of this invention for finger actuation without motion ofthe wrist or adjacent palm.

[0287] Because the length and anatomy structure of each finger of a handis different, the unique appropriate potential space 71 for key strokingsurface placement, as determined by empirical measurement, is uniquelydifferent for each finger; the unique potential space for each finger,according the principles of this invention are shown to scale in FIGS.26A, 26B, 26C and 26D.

[0288] Finger key interaction and the effects of fingerflexion/extension on key surface orientation and key motion:

[0289] In a standard conventional keyboard, all key stroking surfacesmore or less intersect a single plane (or slightly curved surface,) andthe direction of motion 208 of the key stroking surface when the key isactuated is essentially the same for all keys, i.e. generallyperpendicular to the plane of the keyboard surface. Although thedirection of motion for any key should be perpendicular to its strokingsurface, thoughtful consideration reveals that this direction of motion208 need not be uniform for all keys. Rather, it will depend upon theorientation of each keystroking surface and that orientation will inturn depend upon the easiest and ergonomically most appropriatedirection of motion for each digit when in contact with each keysurface. According to the principles of this invention the key strokingsurfaces for the keys actuated by any finger should more or lessintersect the partial plane surface defined by the potential space 71for that finger, as described above. This invention discloses anarrangement of keys (as shown by way of example for the long finger 50in FIG. 25C) in which certain keys 73 actuated by a finger when thefinger joints are near maximal flexion will have their stroking surfacesoriented so that further flexion provides the appropriate force vector209 for key actuation, producing co-linear key motion along vector 208which is perpendicular to the stroking surface. In contrast, those keys74 actuated with the finger joints in near maximal extension will havetheir surfaces oriented so that further extension of the PIP 54 and DIP55 joints provides the appropriate force vector 209 for actuation,producing co-linear key motion along vector 208 which is perpendicularto the stroking surface of said key 74. With the MCP joint 53 positionedin an intermediate degree of flexion, the force vector 209 for keyactuation are oriented in a direction somewhat intermediate between thevectors utilized for actuation of keys 73 and keys 74, and the keys 75actuated thereby have their stroking surfaces oriented such that motion208 produced by finger pressure is co-linear with its correspondingforce vector 209 and perpendicular to said key stroking surface. Theresulting arrangement for any finger provides for key stroking surfaceswhich are oriented in a unique pattern, namely one which describes acurve or spiral pattern, as shown by way of example for the index finger50 in FIG. 25C. In this invention a unique key arrangement may thus bedefined for the key array for each finger.

[0290] Further consideration of FIGS. 25A-C reveals that, when the upperextremity rests in a relaxed and comfortable fashion, with the forearmin contact with the forearm rest 40, if present, and the palm andadjacent region of the wrist immobile in contact with the palm restregion 8, and when the PIP 54 and DIP 55 joints are at the extreme ofextension, and the MCP joint 53 at near full extension, key actuationcan occur only by further extension of the MCP joint 53 to fingerposition 76. However this position 76 would bring the back or nailsurface of the finger, rather than the soft portion of the finger at itstip, in contact with the key surface. This invention discloses anembodiment in which an additional key 77 is provided in one or more ofthe finger keys arrays 60, 61, 62, 63 and other finger arrays 103, 107(FIGS. 28D, 28F), described below, said key or keys 77 being actuated bycontact of the nail or back surface of the digit against the key surfaceby utilizing extension of all three joints 53, 54, 55 of any finger, asin FIGS. 25C and 27A-D.

[0291] Based upon these principles, this invention discloses embodimentsfor the number, size, spacing, and orientation of the keys (“keyarrangements”) in the finger key arrays 60, 61, 62, 63, respectively,for the index, long, ring and small fingers, including designation ofthe respective home keys 44, 45, 46, 47 for each finger, as shown inFIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C and 27D, respectively, shown to scale. A schematicrepresentation or map of the corresponding key arrangement 210 for theindex and long finger key arrays shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B,respectively, are shown in FIG. 28A. Schematic representations of thecorresponding key arrangements 102 for the ring and small finger keyarrays shown in FIGS. 27C and 27D, respectively, are shown in FIG. 28E.

[0292] Further consideration of the anatomy of the fingers reveals thatthere is essentially no lateral motion possible at the PIP 54 and DIP 55joints; similarly when the MCP joint 53 is flexed there is not lateralmobility possible at that joint. When the MCP joint 53 is at leastpartially extended, however, certain joint ligaments and connectivetissues become lax, and that joint can achieve a limited degree oflateral or side to side mobility 72 as in FIG. 24B. Although the aboveembodiments disclosed in this invention utilize key arrangements 210,102, for the arrays 60, 61, 62, 63 in which the stroking surfaces of thekeys in any key arrangement intersect a region 71 of a single plane orcurved surface (as in FIGS. 26A-D), there is indeed sufficient lateralfinger mobility 72 that either of two keys 74 arrayed side by side inthe upper area of finger extension can be comfortably selected by thefinger without undue effort or strain. In an alternative embodiment ofthe key arrays of this invention I disclose key arrangements in whichone or more of the keys in the upper region of each vertical key arrayis replaced with a pair 78 (or pairs) or triplet 79 (or triplets) ofkeys, whose stroking surfaces are arranged more or less perpendicular tothe plane 71 of finger flexion/extension motion, said arrangements being99 (FIG. 28B), 98 (FIG. 28C), 104 (FIG. 28G). Additional combinationsand permutations of these single, paired 78 and triplet 79 keyarrangements and of different key numbers in any key array for eachfinger are also possible. Examples of such alternative embodiments areshown by way of example as key arrays 97 (FIG. 28H), 211 (FIG. 28I), 212(FIG. 28J), 216 (FIG. 28K) but do not exclude other possibleembodiments. All possible orientations for key stroking surfaces forevery key utilized in every key arrangement which are consistent withthe principles of this invention are also disclosed.

[0293] Further consideration indicates that although some lateral motionof the long and ring fingers is possible, a greater degree of lateralmovement of the index finger may be achieved as it moves away from theadjacent long finger, and similarly a greater degree of lateral movementof the small finger may be achieved as it moves away from the adjacentring finger, when the respective MCP joints 13 are at least partiallyextended. Thus, in additional embodiments of this invention as in FIGS.29A, 29B, 30A and 30B. I disclose arrangements in which an additionalfull or partial array 82 of keys 80 is provided lateral to the indexfinger, and an additional full or partial array 83 of keys 81 isprovided lateral to the small finger. Within the constraints ofphysiology and ergonomics described herein, the keys are placedthree-dimensionally according to the same guidelines and constraintsenunciated above for the arrangements for the finger key arrays 60, 61,62 and 63. The arrangement 101 for the keys 80 for the key array 82 forthe index finger is shown in FIG. 28D in a conceptualized view or map,with the disclosure of additional arrangements not illustrated,including substitution of pairs or triplets of keys for one or moreindividual keys 80. The arrangement 103 for the keys 81 for the keyarray 83 for the small finger is shown in FIG. 28F, with the disclosureof additional arrangements not illustrated, including substitution ofpairs or triplets of keys for one or more individual keys 81.

[0294] In sum, then, the finger region 15 of the upper portion 2contains arrays of keys 60, 61, 62, 63. In various embodiments, foreither or both the index and short finger there may be an additionalarray of keys 82, 83, respectively, each oriented lateral to thatfinger. In various embodiments, one or more key array may be providedwith a top key 77 which is actuated by the nail or back surface of thefinger, or alternatively without this arrangement for the topmost key.In various embodiments each array may contain only a single row of keysor, toward the upper portion, pairs or triplets of keys situated more orless side by side as may be appropriate. The total number of keys in anyarray may range from 1 to 13. Two embodiments of these arrangements areshown, for the right keyboard half 110, in FIGS. 29A and 30A, and forthe left keyboard half 200 in FIGS. 29B and 30B. This inventiondiscloses multiple embodiments for key arrangements according to theprinciples of this invention, and encompasses all of the possiblecombinations and permutations of key arrangements that may be derived,according to the principles of this invention, by varying the number ofkeys in any key array from one to thirteen, and including or deletingone or more keys 77 and substituting paired or triplet keys for one ormore of certain single keys actuated in the upper range of fingerextension, and with or without key array 82, and with or without keyarray 83, and with various positioning of the keys and orientations forthe stroking surface of each key.

[0295] Variable Key Spacing and Key Sizes:

[0296] Referring now to FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C and 27D, comparison of thearrays 60, 61, 62, 63, which represent index, long, ring and smallfingers, respectively, will reveal important differences. The length ofeach finger is different, so the arc which defines the surfaces of thekeys in the array for each finger will differ. Specifically, the arc 85for the long finger, which is the longest finger, is largest arc,whereas the arc 87 for the small finger, which is the smallest finger,is the smallest arc, and the arcs 84, 86 for the intermediate lengthfingers, i.e., for the index and ring fingers, are of intermediate size.My invention discloses such an arrangement.

[0297] Furthermore, referring again to FIGS. 27A-27D, for each fingerthe distance from the center of motion of each MCP joint 64 to thesurface of the keys (i.e. the arcs 84, 85, 86, 87) for that finger willbe greater for the long finger, less for the index and ring finger, andless so for the small finger. This invention discloses such anarrangement.

[0298] Additionally, referring again to FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, sincethe various arrays 60, 61, 62, 63 may need to accommodate a similarnumber of keys, it follows that for the smallest array (i.e.,corresponding to the smallest arc) the spacing between keys may bereduced compared to the spacing among keys in intermediate size arrays,which may be smaller than the key spacing in the key array with thelargest arc. It also follow that the actual key size may thereforediffer, with small keys and small key-to-key distance provided in thesmallest arrays, and larger key sizes and key-to-key spacing as the sizeof the array increases. My invention discloses an arrangement in whichthe sizes of the keys and the spacing between keys is not necessarilyconstant, but in various embodiments vary to differing degrees, more orless in proportion to the length of each fingers and the size of thearcs 84, 85, 86, 87 of the key array corresponding to each finger.Similar principles apply to the arrangements for the sizes and spacingfor the keys for the key arrays 82, 83, and such all combinations andpermutations of such arrangements are disclosed in this invention.

[0299] Construction of the Finger Region From the Key Arrays:

[0300] Having established that each finger will actuate the keys thatlie in a particular plane, one must next establish how these planes, andthe key arrays that derive from them, are positioned relative to eachother and relative to the palm rest region 8. Examination of the planes56, 57, 58, 59, as in FIG. 24A, described by the natural motions of eachof the four fingers will indicate that these planes of motion are notparallel to each other, but rather are to some degree splayed or angledaway from each other. This reflects the anatomic fact that when flexed,the fingers are close together but when full extended they are spreadapart. Thus the planes of the key arrays 60, 61, 62, 63, will not beparallel to each other but will naturally be somewhat splayed from eachother, as in FIG. 3A.

[0301] In the embodiment described above, ergonomic finger motion asherein illustrated (FIGS. 25A-25C) and is planar; similarly thelocations of key stroking surfaces 71 according to the principles ofthis invention, and the corresponding finger arrays 60, 61, 62, 63 areplanar. We disclose alternative embodiments in which the strokingsurfaces of the keys of one or more key arrays lie within a curvedsurface 71 which is not planar. All combinations and permutations ofsuch arrangements are also disclosed. Nevertheless, in all of thesevarious alternative embodiments the splayed relationship of the variouskey arrays is maintained as in FIG. 3A.

[0302] Referring now to FIGS. 1B, 3A, 3B, 4B, 7B, 12, 20 and 21B, whenthe upper extremity rests in a relaxed and comfortable fashion, with theforearm in contact with the forearm rest 40, if present, and the palmand adjacent region of the wrist in contact with the palm rest region 8,the fingers will come to rest in a relaxed and comfortable position inwhich they are partially curved, or flexed, and slightly spread apart asin FIGS. 3B, 4B, 7B, 12A, 12B, 12C, 20 and 21B. In this position thetips of the four fingers will not form a straight line but will ratherform a staggered arrangement, with the tip of the long finger 50extending further than the index 49 and ring 51 fingers, which in turnextend further than the tip of the small finger 52, as in FIG. 20. Inthis arrangement then a fundamental feature is that the surfaces of thecorresponding home row keys 44, 45, 46, 47, and the key arrays to whichthey correspond, will be correspondingly elevated or depressed relativeto each other to permit the fingers to achieve the described relaxedposition. This arrangement provides easy tactile recognition of theappropriate location of the fingers on their home keys with regard toside to side positioning, since only one hand position will permit thefingers to rest with the long finger on the deepest key 45 and smallfinger on the most elevated key 52.

[0303] When the upper extremity is positioned as described above, thetips of the four fingers 49, 50, 51, 52 will not line on a straight linewhen the fingers are viewed down the length of the distal phalanx(finger bone) of each finger as FIG. 12C. Rather the location of thetips of the four fingers will describe a curve 207 with the long fingerextending furthest, the index and ring fingers less far, and the smallfinger the shortest distance from the wrist as in FIG. 12C. Thisinvention discloses an arrangement in which the surfaces of thecorresponding home row keys 44, 45, 46 and 47, and the key arrays towhich they correspond, are appropriately located in positions along line27D-27D (FIG. 3A) which correspond to these locations of the finger tipsat rest.

[0304] The resulting arrangement of key arrays in my invention creates athree-dimensional surface contour of the key region in which each key isactuated by a specific finger, and in which the position and orientationof each key permits optimum comfort and efficiency within ergonomicconstraints defined herein. In essence, the keys are positioned wherethe fingers naturally rest or where the fingers may reach for keyactuation with natural, easy, ergonomic motions.

[0305] E. Thumb Region

[0306] Ergonomic Motions of the Thumb:

[0307] Referring now to FIGS. 1B, 3B, 4B, 7B, 12A, 12B, 12C, 22A, 22B,23A, 23B and 23C, a natural rest position for the thumb may be describedin which the upper extremity rests in a relaxed and comfortable fashion,with the forearm in contact with the forearm rest 41, if present, andthe palm and adjacent region of the wrist in contact with the palm restregion 8, such that the thumb is comfortably relaxed and naturally,partially flexed at the MCP 13 and interphalangeal (IP) 14 joints, andslightly externally rotated 11, as in FIG. 12A. In this rest positionthe tip of the thumb naturally makes light contact with the thumb homekey 48 or alternatively a thumb cursor controller roller ball 95, oralternatively a thumb cursor controller 96, in the thumb region 10 ofthe upper portion 2, as in FIGS. 4B, 7B, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B and 23C. Inthis rest position (FIG. 12A) the thumb is oriented such that withfurther flexion 12 of the MCP 13 and IP 14 joints of the thumb, andmotion of the first metacarpal bone, the tip of the thumb tends to movetoward the side of the index finger and thence toward the palm of thehand. Conversely, in extension 88 the thumb moves away from the palm, ina manner similar to extension of the fingers. In addition, the thumb mayalso move naturally and comfortably toward or away from the index fingerin a plane perpendicular to the plane of flexion of the thumb, inmotions termed abduction 89 and adduction 90, respectively, as in FIG.12B. These four motions, namely flexion 12, extension 88, abduction 89and adduction 90 of the thumb, constitute natural and ergonomicallyappropriate motion of the thumb, facilitated by the arrangements ofjoints, ligaments, tendons and muscles of the forearm, hand, palm andthumb and are, according to the principles of this invention, themotions for key actuation by the thumb.

[0308] Key Positions Which Correspond to Natural Ergonomic ThumbMotions:

[0309] For the purposes of this invention any arrangements of keysdisposed upon the thumb region 10 for actuation by the thumb constitutesa thumb key array 215. Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 7A, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23Band 23C, keys 48, 91, 92 are positioned upon the surface of the thumbregion 10 to be actuated by natural ergonomic motions of the thumb. Thethumb home key 48 is actuated by thumb flexion from its rest position asin FIG. 23B. We disclose in this invention arrangements in which one ormore additional keys 91 are positioned on the thumb region 10 to beactuated by varying degrees of natural flexion 12 and extension 88 ofthe thumb MCP 13 and IP 14 joints from its rest position; motion of thefirst metacarpal bone may also contribute to these thumb motions. Inaddition we disclose in this invention arrangements in which one or moreadditional keys 92 are positioned on the thumb region 10 to be actuatedby varying degrees of natural abduction 89 and adduction 90 of the thumbfrom its rest position, as in FIGS. 23A-23C. In addition we disclose inthis invention an arrangement in which a key 93 is positioned foractuation by contact of the nail or back surface of the thumb duringextension 88 of the MCP 13 and IP 14 joints, as in FIGS. 22B and 23C. Ineach case the stroking surface of the key is perpendicular to the force208 applied by the thumb in its ergonomic motion or motions for keyactuation (FIGS. 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B and 23C). In addition we disclose inthis invention arrangements (shown by way of example in FIGS. 32A, 32Band 32C) in which one or more keys 94 are positioned on the thumb region10 for actuation by various combination of MCP 13 and IP 14 flexion andextension with abduction 89 or adduction 90. All combinations andpermutations of these thumb key arrangements are included in thisdisclosure and each constitutes an embodiment of a key arrangement forthe thumb key array 215.

[0310] An alternative embodiment 214 for such thumb key arrangements forthe thumb key array 215 is partially shown in FIGS. 23B. Anotheralternative embodiment 213 for such thumb key arrangements for the thumbkey array 215, in which a roller ball cursor controller 95 issubstituted for the thumb home key 48 (see below) is shown in FIGS. 4A,7A, 22A and 23A. Another embodiment 105 for such thumb key arrangementsfor the thumb key array 215, in which a key 93 is provided for actuationby thumb extension 88, is shown schematically in FIGS. 30A and 30B.Another embodiment 217 for such thumb key arrangements for the thumb keyarray 215, in which a cursor controller pointer 96 is substituted forthe thumb home key 48 (see below) and a key 93 is provided for actuationby thumb extension 88, is shown in FIGS. 22A and 23A. Various figuresshow embodiments incorporating arrangements of the thumb keys in thethumb key array 215, but all combinations and permutations of thesethumb key arrangements are included in this disclosure. FIG. 29Aincludes a conceptualized en face view or map of the thumb region withembodiment 213 for the thumb key arrays 215. FIG. 29B includes aconceptualized en face view or map of the thumb region with embodiment214 for the thumb key arrays 215. FIGS. 30A and 30B includeconceptualized en face views or maps of the thumb regions withembodiment 105 for the thumb key arrays

[0311] F. Incorporation of Cursor Controller Into Keyboard

[0312] Standard Keyboard Arrangements for Cursor Controller:

[0313] Standard computers provide for control of the position of thecursor by the use of a mouse, roller ball, light pen or pointer, amongothers. These devices are either placed adjacent to the keyboard orincorporated as a separate region of the keyboard, although the pointerhas been incorporated into the keyboard in the space between keys. Ingeneral it may appreciated that to use a mouse, roller ball or light penthe hand, or at least one digit, must be moved from its home position atthe keyboard to the mouse, roller ball or light pen, and then returnedagain to its home position to resume typing.

[0314] My invention discloses an arrangement in which the cursorcontroller, (e.g. roller ball 95 or pointer 96) is incorporated into thekeyboard finger or thumb region in one or more of several specificlocations which would otherwise be occupied by one or more keys,respectively. In this arrangement the appropriate finger or thumb maymove the cursor by minimal, ergonomic motions of the tip of the fingeror thumb while that digit is in its natural, relaxed and comfortableposition on its respective home key, with the wrist and adjacent palmcomfortably at rest on the palm rest region 8. In the embodiments, asdescribed in detail above, a roller ball 95 and/or pointer 96 replacesone or both thumb home keys 48 (FIGS. 4A, 7A, 22A, 22B, 23B and 23C). Inalternative embodiments not shown a roller ball 95 and/or pointer 96 issubstituted for one or more thumb keys 92, 93, 94, or is substituted forone or more home keys 44, 45, 46, 47. Several embodiments for suchcursor controller substitution arrangements for the thumb region 10 areshown in FIGS. 4A, 7A, 22A, 22B, 23A and 23C but all combinations andpermutations of these cursor controller arrangements are included inthis disclosure.

[0315] G. Preferred Embodiments for Key Arrangement:

[0316] A multitude of keyboard key and cursor arrangements may begenerated from the various combinations of finger key arrangements,thumb key arrangements and cursor controller arrangements according tothe principles of this invention, and all such combinations andpermutations are disclosed. Several embodiments are shown by way ofillustration.

[0317]FIG. 29A is a schematic diagram or map showing the embodiment 304for the selection and schematic arrangement of key arrays and cursorcontrol devices in the right keyboard half 100. Numbers across the topreference the specific key arrangement embodiment of the keys below;numbers below each set of keys designate the corresponding key Thisembodiment 304 utilizes the thumb key and cursor controller arrangement213 for the thumb key array 215; the finger key arrangements 210 forboth the index 60 and long 61 finger arrays; the finger key arrangements102 for both the ring 62 and small 63 finger arrays; the finger keyarrangements 101 for the lateral key array 82 for the index finger; andthe finger key arrangements 103 for the lateral key array 83 for thesmall finger.

[0318]FIG. 29B is a schematic diagram or map showing the embodiment 305for the selection and arrangement of key arrays without cursor controldevice in the left keyboard half 200. Numbers across the top referencethe specific key arrangement embodiment of the keys below; numbers beloweach set of keys designate the corresponding key array. This embodiment305 utilizes the thumb key and cursor controller arrangement 214 for thethumb key array 215; the finger key arrangements 210 for both the index60 and long 61 finger arrays; the finger key arrangements 102 for boththe ring 62 and small 63 finger arrays; the finger key arrangements 101for the lateral key array 82 for the index finger; and the finger keyarrangements 103 for the lateral key array 83 for the small finger.

[0319]FIG. 30A is a schematic diagram or map showing an alternativeembodiment 308 for the selection and arrangement of key arrays andcursor control devices in the right keyboard half 100. Numbers acrossthe top reference the specific key arrangement embodiment of the keysbelow; numbers below each set of keys designate the corresponding keyarray. This embodiment 308 utilizes the thumb key and cursor controllerarrangement 105 for the thumb key array 215; the finger key arrangements98 for both the index 60 and long 61 finger arrays; the finger keyarrangements 104 for both the ring 62 and small 63 finger arrays; thefinger key arrangements 101 for the lateral key array 82 for the indexfinger; and the finger key arrangements 103 for the lateral key array 83for the small finger.

[0320]FIG. 30B is a schematic diagram or map showing an alternativeembodiment 309 for the selection and arrangement of key arrays andcursor control devices in the left keyboard half 200. Numbers across thetop reference the specific key arrangement embodiment of the keys below;numbers below each set of keys designate the corresponding key array.This embodiment 309 utilizes the thumb key and cursor controllerarrangement 105 for the thumb key array 215; the finger key arrangements98 for both the index 60 and long 61 finger arrays; the finger keyarrangements 104 for both the ring 62 and small 63 finger arrays; thefinger key arrangements 101 for the lateral key array 82 for the indexfinger; and the finger key arrangements 103 for the lateral key array 83for the small finger.

[0321] H. Preferred Embodiment for the Assignment of Alphanumeric,Punctuation and Function Operations to Individual Keys:

[0322] In this invention the finger region 15 contains an arrangement ofkeys in which the assignment of alphanumeric, punctuation and otherfunctional operations to each key is intended to duplicate, to theextent possible, the sequence and order of such key operations found ina standard “QWERTY” keyboard. Nevertheless certain conventional keylocations are not provided in this invention, since those positions arenot available because of the constraints on key placement as enumeratedabove. Additionally the arrangement of keys in the thumb region 11differs substantially from the key arrangement for thumb actuation onthe conventional keyboard. For these reasons other key positions orlocations are substituted as is practical and necessary, therebygenerating a vast number of possible embodiments for the assignment ofalphanumeric, punctuation and function operations to individual keysdepending according to the principles of this invention. In part thenumber of embodiments will depend upon which embodiments for thearrangement of keys and cursor controllers are selected, inasmuch asthis will determine the number and arrangement of keys in each keyarray.

[0323] In certain embodiments of key arrangements for this invention,situations may arise in which the number of keys available forassignment of alphanumeric, punctuation and function operations is lessthan the total number of alphanumeric, punctuation and functionoperations to be assigned to those keys. In conventional keyboards, thissituation is partially resolved by the use of a shift key, which eithermanually or electronically assigns a second operation to any particularkey, such that when the shift key and selected key are actuatedsimultaneously, that second operation for the selected key becomesactivated. Actuation of another key, the Caps Lock key, causes thesecond operation to become the automatic operation for all keys, or forcertain predetermined keys (e.g. the alphabet keys). In this inventioneach key may be assigned up to four operations, including the standardor nominal operation, which occurs if the selected key alone isactuated. This operation is shown or symbolized in the left lowerquadrant 220 of the key stroking surface (FIG. 31) of selected key, orin schematic representations of said key stroking surface (e.g., FIGS.29C, 29D, 30C and 30D) and involves in particular actuation of the lowercase symbol for letters shown on keys with alphabet symbols in the leftlower quadrant 220 of said key stroking surface.

[0324] The operation for any selected key actuated by simultaneousactuation of a “Shift” key and that selected key is shown or symbolizedin the left upper quadrant 221 of said key stroking surface (FIG. 31),or in schematic representations of such key stroking surface (e.g.,FIGS. 29C, 29D, 30C and 30D). The operation for any selected keyactuated by simultaneous actuation of a “FN” [function] key and thatselected key is shown or symbolized in the left lower quadrant 222 ofsaid key stroking surface (FIG. 31), or in schematic representations ofsaid key stroking surface (e.g., FIGS. 29C, 29D, 30C and 30D). Theoperation for any key actuated by simultaneous actuation of an “ALT” keyand that selected key is shown or symbolized in the right upper quadrant223 of said key stroking surface (FIG. 31), or in schematicrepresentations of such key stroking surface (e.g., FIGS. 29C, 29D, 30Cand 30D). Simultaneous actuation of a “Shift” key and a “FN” keyactuates the operation the operation symbolized in the left upperquadrant 21 of said “FN” key, said operation being “FN Lock” whichcauses the “Function” operation to be locked on, i.e. to remain actuatedfor all subsequent key actuations such that all such subsequent keyactuations will cause actuation of the operation shown or symbolized inthe right lower quadrant 222 of the selected key stroking surface; said“Function lock” will be terminated with another simultaneous actuationof a “Shift” key and a “FN” key. Similarly, simultaneous actuation of a“Shift” key and a second “Shift” key actuates the operation symbolizedin the left upper quadrant 221 of said “Shift” key, said operation being“CAPS Lock” which causes the “Shift” operation to be locked on, i.e. toremain actuated for all subsequent key actuations involving keys showingan alphabet letter in the left lower quadrant 220 of the key strokingsurface (“alphabet keys”), such that all such subsequent actuations ofany alphabet key will cause actuation of the capital symbol (rather thanlower case symbol) for said key, shown or symbolized in the right lowerquadrant 222 of the selected key stroking surface; said “CAPS lock”operation will be terminated with another simultaneous actuation of the“Shift” key and a second “shift” key.

[0325] In addition an “ALT” lock operation may be disclosed (notillustrated) in which simultaneous actuation of a “Shift” key and an“ALT” key actuates the operation symbolized in the right upper quadrant223 of said “ALT” key, said operation being “ALT Lock” which causes the“ALT” operation to be locked on, i.e. to remain actuated for allsubsequent key actuations such that all such subsequent key actuationswill cause actuation of the operation shown or symbolized in the rightupper quadrant 223 of the selected key stroking surface; said “ALT lock”operating will be terminated with another simultaneous actuation of a“Shift” key and an “ALT” key. In addition, and in keeping with thisarrangement, and with the principles of this invention that the keyboardmay be fully operated with the forearms, hands and wrist stationary,this invention discloses an arrangement which eliminates the standardarrangement of a separate keyboard region for a standard numeric keypadmatrix, (in which keys for the numerical operations 0 to 9 are arrayedin a rectangular arrangement, thereby eliminating the need for the palmand hand to move off the wrist rest to actuate these keys; instead, thisinvention discloses an arrangement in which these numerical operationsare assigned to the “FN” operation, shown in the right lower quadrantregion 222 of certain keys of the finger region arrayed in a rectangulararrangement on one keyboard half 100 or 200, or both, said numeric “FN”operations being actuated by sequentially actuating the selected one ofsaid keys while simultaneously actuating, with a digit of the otherhand. one or more designated keys situated on the contralateral keyboardhalf.

[0326] An embodiment for assignment of alphanumeric, punctuation andfunctional operations to various keys is shown in FIGS. 29C and 29D, andan alternative embodiment in FIGS. 31C and 31D. In these illustratedembodiments the numeric keypad is situated in the right keyboard half100 and the key pad is actuated with simultaneous actuation of the “FN”key on the left keyboard half 200, or with antecedent and simultaneousactuation of the “FN” and “Shift” keys of either keyboard half, in whichcase the keyboard may then be deactivated by subsequent and simultaneousactuation of the “FN” and “Shift” keys of either keyboard half. Mirrorimage arrangements for the location and function of the numeric keypadare disclosed, as are arrangements in which numeric keypads are disposedon both keyboard halves 100, 200. This invention discloses allcombinations and permutations for assignment of alphanumeric,punctuation and functional operations to various keys as such keys maybe arranged according to the principles and embodiments of thisinvention.

[0327] I. Adjustments to Accommodate Different Hand Sizes and Shapes

[0328] A fundamental feature of the arrangement disclosed in thisinvention is the placement of the arrays of keys at the appropriatedistance from the palm rest, thereby permitting each finger to reach itsappropriate keys with natural, comfortable and ergonomic motions of thefinger joints, without the need to move the wrist and palm from theirrest positions on the palm rest region 8. Careful consideration willindicate that the requisite distance from palm to key arrays may varyamong users, based upon differences in hand sizes, hand geometry andfinger lengths. My invention discloses arrangements which permit userswith different size or shape hands, or different finger lengths, to usethis keyboard for its intended purposes.

[0329] Adjustments to Key Height by Means of Clear Overlay Sheet ofSpecific Thickness:

[0330] My patent discloses an arrangement to accommodate hands ofdifferent sizes and shapes. This arrangement is simple, inexpensive, andeasily interchangeable for different users. As shown in FIG. 33, thearrangement consists of a specifically designed, flexible sheet 106, ofrubber, plastic or similar material, curved and contoured to match thefinger region 15 surface with its elevated key surfaces, said sheet 106being placed securely and snugly over the finger region 15 surface andadjacent areas of the upper portion 2. The overlay may be of clearmaterial, so that key designations are visible through the overlay 106,or alternatively of not clear material, with the appropriate keydesignations represented on the overlay 106 surface overlying eachcorresponding key. In certain areas of the overlay 106, namely where theoverlay is positioned over keys, the overlay is of increased thickness107 such that the increased thickness 107 of the overlay raises the keysurface, bringing it closer to the tips of the users' fingertips. Aseries of such overlay sheets 15 is envisioned, in which the thickness107 varies to accommodate differing finger lengths and hand sizes.Different patterns by which the thickness 107 of the key overlay 106progresses from sheet to sheet may be established, representingalternative embodiments of this invention. In one embodiment, all keysin any sheet have the same overlay thickness 107, with different sheetsmanifesting progressive, graded increments of said overlays thickness107. In another embodiment, as the thickness increases from sheet tosheet, the overlay thickness 107 over keys actuated by the shorterfingers increases proportionally more than for keys actuated by the longfinger; conversely, in another embodiment the overlay thickness 107increases proportionally less for the shorter than the longer fingers.Additionally, in various embodiments those regions of the overlay sheet106 which do not overlay keys may be of standard or increased thickness.Various combinations and permutations of these various arrangements maybe developed, as may be discerned by one skilled in the art. Certainaspects of this arrangement may derive from arrangements previouslydisclosed.

[0331] We disclose another arrangement, not illustrated, which issimple, inexpensive, and easily interchangeable for different users,consisting of a specifically designed, flexible sheet 106, of rubber,plastic or similar material, curved and contoured to match the palm restregion 8 and/or the hypothenar rest region 9, said sheet 106 beingplaced securely and snugly over the palm rest region 8 surface and/orthe hypothenar rest region and adjacent areas of the upper portion 2. Incertain areas of the sheet are of increased thickness 107 such that theincreased thickness 107 of the sheet raises the palm rest region 8and/or the hypothenar rest surface, such that when the user rests thepalm and/or hypothenar areas of the hand on such sheet, the increasedelevation of the palm rest region 8 and/or the hypothenar rest region 9brings the tips of the users' fingertips closer to the stroking surfaceof the finger region 15 keys. A series of such overlay sheets 106 isenvisioned, in which the thickness 107 varies to accommodate differingfinger lengths and hand sizes. Different patterns by which the thickness107 of the key overlay 106 progresses from sheet to sheet may beestablished, representing alternative embodiments of this invention. Inone embodiment, all sheet have the same thickness 107 of the hypothenarrest region 9, with of the palm rest region 8. In another embodiment,all sheet have the same thickness 107 of the palm rest region 8, withdifferent sheets manifesting progressive, graded increments of saidthickness 107 of the hypothenar rest 9. In another embodiment, differentsheets manifest progressive, graded increments of said thickness 107,and for each sheet the thickness 107 is the same for all regions of saidsheet. Other possible arrangements and variations of sheet thickness orenvisioned and disclosed in this invention.

[0332] In another arrangement the palm rest region and/or the hypothenarrest region may be moveable, such the distance between the palm restregion 8 and the finger region 15 keys, or between the hypothenar restregion 9 and finger region 15 keys may be moveably adjusted toaccommodate hands and fingers of different sizes, such arrangementsbeing previously disclosed or readily apparent to those skilled in theart.

[0333] In another arrangement the height of each individual key strokingsurface may be fixably adjusted or modified by the use ofinterchangeable key caps, or screw-adjustable connectors between key andkey caps, such arrangements being previously disclosed, or apparent tothose skilled in the art.

[0334] J. Accommodations for Fingers of Differing Strengths:

[0335] The actual strength of all digits is not constant, but varies asa function of anatomic factors (i.e., the size of the pertinent muscles)as well as by use and training. Nevertheless the original typewriterdesign as well as contemporary keyboards, to the extent we have beenable to determine, require the same force or pressure for actuation ofall keys. The only related arrangement is seen in some electrictypewriters, which permits adjustment of typing sensitivity (i.e. keyactuation pressure); however, this adjustment affects all keysuniformly.

[0336] My invention discloses an arrangement, not illustrated, for theincorporation of varying degrees of resistance to key actuation amongdifferent keys, so that certain key have less resistance to keyactuation than other keys, and thus certain keys are actuated with lessdigit pressure 209 than other keys. In one embodiment, key actuationmechanisms are selected so that keys actuated by the weaker digitsrequire less pressure 209 for actuation than those actuated by strongerdigits. In another arrangement, keys which are reached by digit motionwhich tend to require more effort (e.g. lateral motion) will themselvesrequire less pressure 209 for key actuation. In another embodiment,small size keys will require less actuation pressure 209 than largerkeys. Various other embodiments, utilizing other arrangements of keyresistance are envisioned and are incorporated in this invention.

[0337] Current key actuation mechanisms (i.e. key switches) utilizevarious mechanisms to provide a resistance to key actuation motion;among those mechanisms are those utilizing a spring or the deformationof a flexible sheet or strip. Keys are currently available from variousmanufacturers which exhibit different resistances to key actuation,utilizing springs or deformable sheets or strips of differentresistances, or other arrangements to achieve a range of resistances. Inthis invention, we disclose the arrangement in which such currentlyavailable keys of varying resistances (achieved by whatever mechanism)are incorporated in this keyboard arrangement as described herein, andenvision that new key actuation mechanism, as may be developed for thispurpose from time to time, are also included in this disclose.

[0338] K. Features to Enhance Tactile Identification of Keys:

[0339] The goal of this component of my invention is to vary the surfacetexture, contour, material, and temperature feel of keys (e.g. provide adifferent “feel” for alpha, numeric, punctuation and function keys) bythe use of keys of different shapes, surface contours, textures,resiliencies and thermal conductivities, to provide tactile cues aboutkey identity:

[0340] Current keyboards use keys mostly of a single uniform size andshape, although a few keys have different shapes, and these aretypically larger in size. Almost all utilize a concave key surface,perhaps to match the convex shape of the digit tip. The uniformity ofthe surfaces of all keys eliminates tactile cues based on key contoursor other surface characteristics. These cues are useful in facilitatingidentification of the key contacted by the digit before key actuationoccurs, thereby improving key selection accuracy and hence typing speed.

[0341] My invention discloses an arrangement which specifically exploitspotential differences among key shapes and other tactile characteristicsto provide additional tactile information to permit the user todistinguish or differentiate by feel among different keys or groups ofkeys. To this end I disclose a family of potential variations in thetactile characteristics of keys, including, but not limited to:

[0342] 1. Shape and surface contour: e.g. create keys which are, tovarying degrees, concave, convex or pointed, flat, etc;

[0343] 2. Texture: e.g. smooth; slightly or more severely roughened;ridged in various directions; containing one or more elevated pointslinear or curved elevation, or other projections, etc;

[0344] 3. Resiliency: e.g. hard, as in hard plastic; soft, as in rubberor similar flexible materials; cloth-like; felt-like, etc;

[0345] 4. Thermal conductivity: differences in this property makesurfaces feel more or less cold to the touch; plastic and metal offertwo different such feels because of differing thermal conductivities;other arrangements are also considered;

[0346] 5. Other characteristics which also enhance tactiledifferentiation among keys may also be utilized.

[0347] The specific assignment of one or more of these tactile featuresto one or more keys may be random, or systematic; by way of example wedisclose an embodiment, not illustrated, in which all vowels havetactile features different from consonants, which in turn may differfrom punctuations, numerical keys, function keys, numbers, etc. Otherpatterns, combinations and permutations for assignment of these tactilefeatures among keys may also be recognized and are included asembodiments in my patent disclosure.

[0348] L. Features to Enhance Visual Cues for Key Identification ofKeys:

[0349] The physical arrangement of keyboard halves 100, 200, plus thedisposition of the hands and digits on the keyboard halves 100, 200, asdisclosed herein, prevents the keyboard user from viewing most of thekeys, particularly the keys on which the fingers rest. This isparticularly true as the forearm rotates into external rotation, suchthat the transverse key rows become less accessible to the user's lineof sight. Visual cues utilized to guide a digit to its appropriate keythus become unavailable to the keyboard user.

[0350] In this invention I disclose an arrangement in which thepositions of the each and every digit as it rests upon a key isdisplayed upon a region of the user's video display terminal VDT 110(FIG. 34). In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, computer software 108provides a schematic representation of the actual keyboard keyarrangement (such as is shown by way of examples in FIGS. 29A, 29B, 30Aand 30B) on a region 109 of the VDT 110 and said software 108 alsoprovides, on that VDT keyboard schematic representation, the actualassignment of alphanumeric, punctuation and functional operations tovarious keys (such as is shown by way of examples in FIGS. 29C, 29D, 30Cand 30D). In addition to the standard electric switch 111 (of whatevermechanical, electronic or other nature) incorporated into each key 201for key actuation 112 by standard key displacement in direction 208, Idisclose an arrangement in which a second switch 114 (of whatevermechanical, electronic or other nature) is also incorporated into everykey 201, and actuated by ultra light or minimal digit pressure 115,applied more or less in the same direction as the pressure 209 utilizedfor standard key actuation. As one or more digits rest upon a key orkeys 201, the light pressure 115 so applied causes an initial minordisplacement 116 of the key which is sufficient to actuate 117 the ultralight pressure switch 114, and this information is transmitted to thecomputer's processing unit via a microcontroller 118. Computer software108 converts the electronic information into a visual display whichindicates, on the dedicated keyboard display region 109 of the VDT 110,those keys which are, at any moment, being touched. In variousarrangement, for example, those keys upon which fingers are resting orare lightly touched may be highlighted in a different or brighter color,or a different type face or type size, or any other method to yield anappropriate visual cue. In one arrangement, the computer software may beprogrammed to highlight differentially the last key touched, permittingthe user to follow each finger as its moves to a key and touches it,confirming visually that the correct key has been selected before it isactuated. By referring to this visual display while typing (even withoutlooking at the keys themselves) the user will be able to determinewhether he/she is about to actuate the correct, desired key, before keyactuation occurs. This arrangement will facilitate typing for those notfully schooled in touch-typing, thereby reducing error rate andenhancing typing speed.

[0351] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to othersupon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It isintended that the invention be construed as including all suchmodifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope ofappended claims or the equivalents thereof.

I claim:
 1. A keyboard for use by a hand comprising a body having: a) ahand supporter for maintaining the wrist and palm in an unstrained,relaxed, stationary position during keyboard usage; b) a plurality ofkeys on a keypad actuatable by the fingers of the hand; and c) whereinthe fingers are permitted unrestrained movement about the three jointsof each finger for actuation of the keys on the keypad while the wristand palm remain in the unstrained, relaxed, stationary position.
 2. Thekeyboard according to claim 1 wherein the hand supporter is comprised ofa hypothenar rest region and an adjacent palm rest region.
 3. Thekeyboard according to claim 2 wherein the palm rest region conforms tothe shape of the relaxed palm region.
 4. The keyboard according to claim2 wherein the hypothenar rest region conforms to the shape of thehypothenar region.
 5. The keyboard according to claim 1 furtherincluding a thumb region adjacent to the palm rest region on theopposite side of the hypothenar rest region.
 6. The keyboard accordingto claim 5 wherein the thumb region has a thumb keyboard with keysactuatable by the thumb.
 7. The keyboard according to claim 5 whereinthe thumb region is generally channel shaped.
 8. The keyboard accordingto claim 1 wherein the palm rest region generally lies along alongitudinal axis and a central axis within the channel of the thumbregion and forms an angle of between 15-45 degrees with the longitudinalaxis.
 9. The keyboard according to claim 8 wherein the thumb region,palm rest region and hypothenar rest region are discrete partsadjustable relative to one another along the longitudinal axis.
 10. Thekeyboard according to claim 1 wherein each key on the keyboard isactuatable by at least one finger moving within an unstrained range ofmotion for that finger.
 11. The keyboard according to claim 1 whereinthe keyboard has a signal device in communication with a processingunit.
 12. The keyboard according to claim 1 wherein the signal devicemay be one from the group of a hard wire, coded laser beam, radiofrequency signal and ultrasound.
 13. The keyboard according to claim 1further comprising a second body identical but a mirror image in shapeto conform with and be used by the second hand.
 14. The keyboardaccording to claim 1 wherein the palm rest region has a top surface andthe top surface is covered with cushioning material that conforms to thehand comprised of one material from the group of foam, leather andplastic.
 15. A keyboard for use by the hands comprising: a) a first bodyhaving: 1) a right hand supporter for maintaining the wrist and palm inan unstrained, relaxed, stationary position; and 2) a plurality of keyson a keypad actuatable by at least one finger of the right hand; b) asecond body having: 1) a left hand supporter for maintaining the wristand palm in an unstrained, relaxed, stationary position; and 2) aplurality of keys on a keypad actuatable by at least one finger of theleft hand; and c) wherein the fingers are permitted unrestrainedmovement about the three joints of each finger for actuation of the keyson the keypad without motion of the wrist or palm.
 16. The keyboardaccording to claim 15 wherein each of the hand supporters is comprisedof a hypothenar rest region and an adjacent palm rest region.
 17. Thekeyboard according to claim 16 further including on each body a thumbregion adjacent to the palm rest region on the opposite side of the palmrest region than the hypothenar rest region.
 18. A keyboard for use by ahand, including the wrist, comprising: a) a base; b) an upper portion incontact with the base, wherein the upper portion includes a handsupporter for maintaining the wrist and palm in an unrestrained,relaxed, stationary position during keyboard usage; and c) wherein theupper portion contacts the base and may be positioned in three degreesof rotational freedom.
 19. The keyboard according to claim 18 wherein:a) the base has one of a concave recess or convex protrusion; b) theupper portion has the other of the concave recess or convex protrusion;and c) wherein the contour of the concave recess and the contour of theconvex protrusion are identical at all operational rotational positionsof the recess relative to the protrusion.
 20. The keyboard according toclaim 19 wherein the recess and the protrusion slide across one anotherfor three degrees of rotational freedom.
 21. The keyboard according toclaim 20 wherein lubrication is introduced between the recess and theprotrusion to promote relative movement therebetween.
 22. The keyboardaccording to claim 20 wherein ball bearings are introduced between therecess and the protrusion to promote relative movement therebetween. 23.The keyboard according to claim 18 wherein the upper portion and thebase are frictionally secured to one another to inhibit rotationtherebetween.
 24. The keyboard according to claim 18 wherein the upperportion and the base have a locking mechanism to permit when deactivatedand to prevent when activated relative rotation therebetween.
 25. Thekeyboard according to claim 24 wherein the locking mechanism iscomprised of a linkage movably extending through the upper portion,wherein the linkage has a friction plate attached at one end and whereinthe friction plate is proximate to the base such that the friction platemay be urged against the base to prevent rotation of the upper portionrelative to the base.
 26. The keyboard according to claim 25 wherein thelinkage is a rod.
 27. The keyboard according to claim 25 wherein thelinkage is a cable.
 28. The keyboard according to claim 18 wherein acursor controller is mounted within the base such that motion of thebase upon a surface will actuate and move the cursor.
 29. A keyboardsupport assembly for providing maximum adjustability comprising: a) abase on which a keyboard is supported; b) a forearm rest; c) a three barlinkage connecting the keyboard to the forearm rest, comprised of afirst linkage, second linkage and third linkage; d) wherein the firstlinkage is connected to the keyboard and to the second linkage; e)wherein the second linkage is connected to the first linkage and thethird linkage; f) wherein the third linkage is connected to the secondlinkage and the forearm rest; and g) wherein there is rotational freedombetween the first and second linkages and between the second and thirdlinkages.
 30. The assembly according to claim 29 further including atleast one degree of translational freedom between the keyboard and theforearm rest.
 31. The assembly according to claim 30 wherein the secondlinkage is comprised of one tubular element that moves telescopicallywithin a second tubular element to provide one degree of translationalfreedom.
 32. The assembly according to claim 29 wherein the rotationalfreedom is provided by the use of a ball and socket connector betweenthe linkages.
 33. The assembly according to claim 32 further includingknobs with shafts that are secured to the ball and socket connectors andthat may be urged against the balls to prevent rotational freedom. 34.The assembly according to claim 29 further including a wrist support onthe keyboard.
 35. The assembly according to claim 29 wherein the forearmrest is attached to a chair.
 36. The assembly according to claim 29wherein the keyboard rests upon the surface of a desk.
 37. The assemblyaccording to claim 29 wherein the keyboard is attached to the forearmrest.
 38. The assembly according to claim 29 wherein the forearm rest iscovered with cushioning material comprised of one material from thegroup of foam, leather, plastic or viscous gel.
 39. A keypad on akeyboard comprised of a plurality of finger key arrays adjacent to oneanother on the keyboard, wherein the fingers are identified as theindex, long, ring and short fingers, wherein each finger key array hasassociated with it specific keys and wherein each finger key array has adifferent curvature to accommodate the range of motion of that finger toactuate the respective keys when the wrist and palm are in a stationaryposition.
 40. The keypad according to claim 39 wherein the curvature forany shorter finger of the finger key array is less than the curvaturefor any longer finger of the finger key array.
 41. The keypad accordingto claim 39 wherein each finger key array is aligned with a planedefined by the path of the finger associated with that array as thefinger moves from the clenched position to the fully extended position.42. The keypad according to claim 41 wherein the planes diverge as theyextend away from the clenched hand.
 43. The keypad according to claim 41further including at least one additional finger key array positionedlaterally on either side of a respective key array plane, therebyproviding at least one additional key actuatable by a finger.
 44. Thekeypad according to claim 43 wherein an additional finger key array fora single finger may be positioned on each side of the plane associatedwith that finger.
 45. The keypad according to claim 39 wherein the keysof each key array are positioned along an arc located between themaximum and the minimum range of flexion and extension of finger motionthrough the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distalinterphalangeal joints without any wrist motion.
 46. The keypadaccording to claim 45 wherein keys are positioned upon each arc over arange on that arc of at least 90 degrees.
 47. The keypad according toclaim 45 wherein at least one key positioned along the arc is actuatedby flexion at the joints of the finger and at least one other keypositioned along the arc is actuated by a combination of extension andflexion of the three joints of the finger.
 48. The keypad according toclaim 47 wherein each key in a key array has a top surface and the topsurfaces of all keys in an array together form a non-planar surface andwherein actuation of each key requires a force perpendicular to the topsurface of the respective key.
 49. The keypad according to claim 47wherein the maximum angular difference between the orientation of thetop surfaces of at least two keys in an array is at least 90 degrees.50. The keypad according to claim 47 wherein any finger key array mayhave a cursor controller.
 51. The keypad according to claim 45 whereinthe curvature is concave.
 52. The keypad according to claim 39 furtherincluding a thumb key array positioned adjacent to but separate from thefinger key arrays and having a contour to accommodate the thumb range ofmotion.
 53. The keypad according to claim 52 wherein the thumb key arraymay have a cursor controller.
 54. The keypad according to claim 52wherein the thumb range of motion is defined by an arc extending betweenthe maximum and minimum range of flexion, extension, adduction andabduction of the thumb joints.
 55. The keypad according to claim 39wherein the finger key arrays are contiguous with a palm rest region ona keyboard supporting the keypad.
 56. The keypad according to claim 39wherein home key positions are defined for each finger in the positionthat finger would assume in a relaxed position.
 57. The keypad accordingto claim 39 wherein the keys associated with each finger key array arespaced apart at smaller distances for smaller fingers and largerdistances for larger fingers.
 58. The keypad according to claim 39wherein the keys associated with each finger key array are smaller forsmaller fingers and larger for larger fingers.
 59. A keypad for akeyboard comprising: a) a plurality of keys; b) a predetermined distanceeach key must be depressed to actuate the key; c) a resistanceassociated with each key necessary to depress that key the predetermineddistance to actuate the key; and d) wherein the resistance associatedwith each key is a function of the size of the finger depressing thatkey, such that a larger finger has a greater depression force than doesa smaller finger.
 60. The keypad according to claim 59 further includinga key array associated with each the index, long, ring and small fingersand wherein each key array is comprised of a plurality of keys and eachkey in a key array is spaced apart from an adjacent key in that array bya predetermined distance, wherein the predetermined distance is greaterfor larger fingers and smaller for smaller fingers.
 61. The keypadaccording to claim 59 wherein the resistance associated with each key isfurthermore a function of the distance of the finger from a relaxedposition to reach the key.
 62. The keypad according to claim 59 whereinthe resistance associated with each key is provided by a resilientmember having the desired resistance.
 63. The keypad according to claim59 wherein the resilient member is a spring.
 64. The keypad according toclaim 59 wherein the resilient member is a flexible material displacedby force upon the contact surface of a key.
 65. The keypad according toclaim 59 wherein the resistance associated with each key is provided bythe localized stiffness of a flexible sheet overlaid upon the keys. 66.The keypad according to claim 59 wherein the size of each key isproportionate to the force necessary to actuate that key.
 67. A keyboardhaving keys actuated by hand comprised of: a) at least one keypositioned on a keypad and having an actuation surface facing the sideof a digit of the hand opposite the nail when the hand is in a typingposition; and b) at least one top key positioned on a keypad and havingan actuation surface facing the nail or back surface of the digit of thehand when the hand is in the typing position.
 68. The keyboard accordingto claim 67 wherein the top key is actuated by utilizing extension ofall three joints of the digit.
 69. The keyboard according to claim 67wherein the actuation surface of the top key has a soft surfacecomprised of a material from the group of foam, leather, plastic or gel.70. A keyboard comprised of: a) a keypad with a plurality of keysthereon, wherein each key has a contact surface which must be depressedfor key actuation; and b) a height adjustment device for placement overat least one key to heighten the contact surface of the at least onekey.
 71. The keyboard according to claim 70 wherein the heightadjustment device is comprised of an overlay sheet on the keypad,wherein the overlay sheet is made of a flexible material and wherein thesheet has a predetermined thickness over at least one key to increasethe height of the contact surface of the at least one key.
 72. Thekeyboard according to claim 70 wherein the height adjustment device iscomprised of one from a variety of overlay sheets, wherein each sheet ismade of a flexible material and wherein each sheet has a predeterminedthickness over at least one key to increase the height of the contactsurface of the at least one key and wherein the predetermined thicknessof each overlay sheet is different thereby providing a variety of heightadjustment options for different users.
 73. The keyboard according toclaim 70 wherein the height adjustment device is an individual shimapplied to the contact surface of a key to provide a raised contactsurface.
 74. A keyboard comprised of: a) a finger region having a keypadwith keys, wherein the keys on the keypad are oriented to be actuatableby only motion of the fingers at their joints when the wrist and palm ofa hand are in an unstrained, relaxed, stationary position in a palmrest; b) wherein a hand axis is defined by a line extending through themetacarpophalangeal joint of each finger; c) a thumb region having achannel with keys, wherein the channel is oriented along a channelsurface having a central axis which forms an angle of between 15-45degrees with the hand axis; and d) wherein a thumb home key is locatedin the position of the thumb along a path defined by the thumb as itmoves with flexion from a naturally relaxed position toward the indexfinger in its relaxed position.
 75. The keyboard according to claim 74wherein the other keys of the keypad in the thumb region are positionedto be actuated by natural motion of the thumb, wherein the movement maybe comprised from one or more of the group of flexion, extension,adduction and abduction.
 76. The keyboard according to claim 75 whereinthe thumb region home key is a cursor controller.
 77. A keyboardcomprising: a) a keypad; b) a plurality of keys on the keypad, whereineach key has a top surface that is physically depressed for keyactuation; and c) wherein the top surface of one or more of theplurality of keys has a different tactile identification to facilitaterecognition of the keys.
 78. The keyboard according to claim 77 whereinthe tactile identification comprises the contour of the top surface ofthe keys.
 79. The keyboard according to claim 77 wherein the tactileidentification comprises the texture of the top surface of the keys. 80.The keyboard according to claim 77 wherein the tactile identificationcomprises the resiliency of the top surface of the keys.
 81. Thekeyboard according to claim 77 wherein the tactile identificationcomprises the thermal conductivity of the top surfaces of the keys. 82.The keyboard according to claim 77 wherein the keys on the keyboardrepresent letters and wherein the keys associated with vowels have adifferent tactile identification than the keys associated withconsonants.
 83. The keyboard according to claim 77 wherein the keys onthe keyboard are associated with different predetermined groups of keysand each group of keys has a different tactile identification associatedwith it.
 84. A keypad for a keyboard comprising: a) at least one key; b)a sensor associated with that key to determine the force exerted uponthat key; c) a key identifier; d) a key actuator which when actuatedtransfers data to a processing unit; e) wherein a first force upon thekey will actuate the key identifier to identify that key to the user;and f) wherein a second force, greater than the first force, willactuate the key actuator.
 85. The keypad according to claim 84 whereinthe key identifier is a visual screen.
 86. The keypad according to claim85 wherein the visual screen is a cathode ray tube screen.
 87. Thekeypad according to claim 84 wherein the key identifier is an audiblesound.